Monash Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend

This PhD scholarship at Monash University offers an exciting opportunity to explore women's perspectives on reproductive wellbeing through qualitative research. The project addresses a critical gap in women's sexual and reproductive health by focusing on how women themselves define reproductive wellbeing and what they believe supports it, rather than solely measurable outcomes like reducing unintended pregnancy or increasing contraceptive uptake. Insights from in-depth interviews with women of reproductive age across Australia will inform the co-design of more responsive, patient-centred health services and contribute to policy initiatives that advance reproductive autonomy and equity.

The successful candidate will join the SPHERE NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health in Primary Care, a multidisciplinary cohort based at the Department of General Practice, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (MNHS) at Monash University. SPHERE focuses on improving access to and quality of women's health care services, particularly in preconception care, contraception, medical abortion, and endometriosis and pelvic pain management in primary care. Monash University is internationally recognized for excellence in research and teaching, and is a member of Australia’s Group of Eight coalition.

The principal supervisor is Professor Danielle Mazza, Head of the Department of General Practice and a leader in implementation research and knowledge translation in general practice, especially in women’s sexual and reproductive health. Professor Mazza leads the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women in Primary Care (SPHERE), aiming to improve quality, safety, and capacity of primary health care services for better outcomes in women’s health.

Funding is provided through the Monash Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend, offering a tax-free stipend of $37,145 per annum (2026 full-time rate). Applicants who are health care practitioners or psychologists are eligible for an additional stipend of $5,000 per year (up to $15,000 over three years). The position is full-time for three years and is open to domestic students only.

Eligibility requires meeting Monash University’s minimum PhD admission requirements. Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their research interests, a CV with qualifications, academic achievements, publications, work history and references, and academic transcripts. The application deadline is 29 April 2026. For further information, refer to the Monash University website and the application portal.

This project is ideal for those passionate about health equity, qualitative research, and creating real-world impact in women’s sexual and reproductive health care. The research environment is supportive, diverse, and embedded in an ecosystem of health, academia, and industry, offering opportunities for career development and meaningful contribution to health policy and practice.