Yolande Strengers

Monash University is offering a PhD opportunity through the Monash Energy Institute and its sponsoring faculties in Information Technology, Monash Business School, and Engineering. The project is based at the Caulfield or Clayton campuses and is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates whose research will advance First Nations peoples’ interests in the Australian energy transition. The advert invites proposals that engage with the energy transition in ways that are meaningful to First Nations communities, with scope across energy systems, community energy, housing, health, maintenance pathways, and future-oriented energy planning. Candidates are encouraged to bring Indigenous knowledge systems into research on technology futures, and to use innovative, participatory methodologies. The successful PhD candidate will join a supportive, interdisciplinary environment with opportunities to participate in the work of the Institute and its faculties, and to connect with Monash’s Indigenous staff network. Candidates will be supervised by academics in one of the three sponsoring faculties, and the advert notes contact with the Indigenous Research Team and the Monash Energy Institute Research Director. Research themes include energy justice, energy insecurity, community-scale renewable systems, remote energy access, Indigenous futures, and climate/weather knowledge for forecasting and planning. The position sits within a broader institutional effort to deliver practical, people-centred solutions for Australia’s sustainable energy future through interdisciplinary research and external partnerships. The scholarship is fully funded for 3.5 years and is tied to a PhD commencing in 2026.

Monash University is offering a fully funded 3.5-year PhD scholarship for Indigenous candidates interested in advancing First Nations’ interests in the Australian energy transition. The position is based in the Faculty of Information Technology and Monash Energy Institute, with research topics spanning energy justice, renewable energy systems, health impacts of energy insecurity, and Indigenous knowledge integration in energy planning. Candidates are encouraged to propose their own research projects, with suggested areas including community-scale renewables, supply chain solutions for remote Australia, and mapping Indigenous climate knowledge. The scholarship provides a generous stipend of $52,352 per annum (tax-free), an $8,000 top-up, $4,000 for research costs, travel grants, and relocation support. Applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, have a strong academic or professional background in a relevant discipline, and meet Monash’s PhD admission criteria. The program offers professional development, industry placements, and mentoring through a supportive Indigenous staff network. Expressions of Interest are due by 24 October 2025. For more information or to discuss proposals, contact Professor Yolande Strengers or the Indigenous Research Project Manager. Apply via the Monash careers portal.