At a Glance
- Tasks: Define your own research direction in human-animal interactions.
- Company: Monash University, a leader in health and social sciences.
- Benefits: Annual stipend of $37,145, project funding, and travel grants.
- Other info: Flexible full-time or part-time options available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social inclusion and health through innovative research.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's or master's degree with research experience; passion for animal-assisted interventions.
The predicted salary is between 37145 - 37145 $ per year.
The successful candidate will be supported by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in human-animal interaction, disability, healthy ageing, and social inclusion. Remuneration includes a PhD annual stipend for 3.5 years of full-time PhD enrolment ($37,145 per annum for 2026 rate), indexed annually and published on the Monash University Graduate Research Stipend and Allowance Rates website. Additional support is available for project resources and conference presentation:
- School of Primary and Allied Health Care HDR Support Fund of up to $4,000 for the duration of candidature
- Monash Graduate Research Travel Grant
This PhD stipend scholarship offers a unique opportunity for a talented candidate to define their own research direction within the field of human-animal interactions. We are looking for innovative thinkers from any discipline (e.g., Allied Health, Social Sciences, Education) who are passionate about how pets and animal-assisted activities can facilitate social inclusion and health outcomes.
This scholarship invites applicants to propose their own research program. Your proposal should build upon or take inspiration from Dr Em Bould's established work in animal-assisted activities, such as:
- Dog Buddies: A program using dog-walking to foster community inclusion for people with cognitive disabilities.
- Pets and People Program: Using a shared interest in pets to build connections between older adults living in aged care and international university students.
We encourage creative, interdisciplinary approaches. For instance, current collaborators in speech pathology adapted the Dog Buddies concept into "Fetching Connections" an intervention integrating dog-walking with traditional speech therapy to enhance communication. Applicants are required to submit a brief research proposal outlining their area of interest and how they intend to advance knowledge in human-animal supports.
Selection criteria:
- Prospective applicants must satisfy Monash University PhD entry requirements as outlined in the Monash Graduate Research Admission Procedure, including, but not limited to:
- An Australian citizen; or New Zealand citizen; or have been granted permanent resident status;
- A bachelor's degree of at least four years in a relevant discipline, which includes a research thesis or project, with a minimum overall average grade of an Honours degree equivalent to the First Class Honours Division A; or
- A master's degree in a relevant discipline which includes a research thesis or project equivalent to at least 25 percent of one year of full-time study, with a minimum overall average grade of honours equivalent to the First Class Honours Division A; or
- A qualification, or combination of qualifications and relevant professional or research experience, deemed equivalent by the Graduate Research Committee (or delegate); and
- Preferably, be available to commence as a full-time PhD candidate in Q4 2026 (or by arrangement).
- Demonstrate strong interest in animal-assisted interventions, social inclusion, and/or healthy ageing.
- Experience in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research.
Enquiries: Dr Em Bould
Phd Stipend Scholarship – School Of Primary And Allied Health Care in Frankston employer: Monash
Monash University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration at the Caulfield campus. With a strong commitment to research-led teaching, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to engage with industry leaders, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about shaping the future of marketing education.
