PhD Stipend Scholarship

Funded PhD opportunity at Monash University in the area of assistive technology, ageing, healthcare, and advanced sensor technologies.

This PhD project, based at the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre and the National Centre for Healthy Ageing Smart Ward, explores how advanced localisation and motion-based sensor technologies can improve the care and safety of hospitalised older adults. The project is supported by an NHMRC Ideas Grant and sits within an interdisciplinary team working across ageing, healthcare, biostatistics, and digital health.

Research themes include the evidence base for emerging sensing technologies in hospital settings, psychometric properties and technical validation, algorithm development, clinical validation, and patient/staff perspectives on acceptability and feasibility. Relevant methods and topics include radar, RFID, Bluetooth, machine learning, movement analysis, falls detection, delirium prediction, and clinical implementation.

Funding: The successful candidate receives a PhD stipend scholarship for 3.5 years of full-time enrolment. The stipend is $37,145 per annum for the 2026 rate, indexed annually. Additional support is available through the School of Primary and Allied Health Care HDR Support Fund (up to $4,000) and the Monash Graduate Research Travel Grant.

Eligibility: Applicants must meet Monash PhD entry requirements, including Australian/New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency, or an equivalent qualification accepted by the university. Preferred applicants will have a background in sensor technology, psychometrics, and a relevant clinical discipline such as nursing, medicine, or allied health. Full-time commencement in Q4 2026 is preferred.

How to apply: Submit an expression of interest to Dr Michelle Shannon by email. Include a cover letter (max 500 words), CV with publications/presentations and relevant experience, scanned academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees. If successful at Stage 1, you will be invited to submit a full PhD candidature application.

Deadline: Applications close on 28 June 2026, 11:55pm AEST.