At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on revitalising informal settlements and their environments.
- Company: Join Monash University's Transforming Cities Hub, a leader in interdisciplinary research.
- Benefits: Receive a tax-free stipend of $41,100 AUD per annum plus opportunities for teaching.
- Other info: Engage with communities and government partners in an immersive research environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate resilience and urban transformation through innovative research.
- Qualifications: First Class Honours or Master's degree in relevant fields like Engineering or Environmental Science.
The predicted salary is between 41100 - 41100 $ per year.
Applications are invited from outstanding domestic and international candidates for a PhD scholarship embedded within the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) program. RISE is an internationally recognised interdisciplinary research program developing and evaluating nature-based and hybrid infrastructure to improve health, environmental quality and climate resilience in informal settlements. As the program moves from successful pilot projects towards municipal and national implementation, these PhD projects investigate the scientific, technical and institutional innovations required to enable large-scale impact.
Successful candidates will join the Transforming Cities Hub at Monash University and work within an international network of researchers and implementation partners across Australia and Indonesia.
Potential PhD Projects
- AI-Aided Site Reconnaissance and Rapid Assessments for Settlement Upgrading
How can spatial analytics, remote sensing, and machine learning models be combined into rapid, low-cost assessment workflows to map environmental vulnerabilities, trace contamination pathways, and prioritise targeted water cycle infrastructure interventions across informal urban settlements? - Optimisation of Hybrid Infrastructure Systems and Fit-for-Purpose Technologies
How can green-grey hybrid water infrastructure be optimised and technical guidelines adapted to support consistent, fit-for-purpose technology selection across diverse socio-technical contexts at national scale? - Social and Institutional Frameworks for Upscaling Participatory Design
What elements of participatory co-design and community-based infrastructure implementation are essential for achieving long‐term sustainability and how can these be institutionalised within state‐led programs to enable scaling?
Why Study with Us?
Successful candidates will undertake an embedded PhD in the Monash Department of Architecture, conducting research within RISE's international Living Lab alongside government agencies, communities, practitioners and researchers. This immersive approach enables candidates to engage directly with implementation, access unique longitudinal datasets, and generate interdisciplinary research that informs policy, practice and climate‐resilient urban transformations.
Candidate Requirements
We welcome applicants with First Class Honours or a Master's degree in a relevant discipline. Depending on the project, suitable backgrounds may include:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- GIS and Spatial Science
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Urban Design
- Urban Planning
- Environmental Science
- Public Policy
- Social Sciences
Applicants should demonstrate excellent analytical and research capability, interest in interdisciplinary and applied research, motivation to work collaboratively with government and community partners, excellent written and oral English communication skills, and capacity to undertake independent doctoral research.
Applicants must satisfy Monash University PhD admission requirements.
Research Statement (Maximum 1000 words)
Applicants are asked to prepare a Research Statement (maximum 1,000 words). The Research Statement is intended to help the selection panel understand your research interests, motivation, relevant experience, and suitability for the nominated project.
In addition to the Research Statement, applicants should provide a list of key references cited (APA format) and, where applicable, a brief Statement of AI Use. These are not included in the 1,000-word limit.
EOIs should include: Research statement (maximum 1,000 words), academic transcripts, evidence of English-language proficiency (if applicable), curriculum vitae, portfolio (where relevant), research publications/writing sample.
Applications Close: Monday 28 September 2026, 11:55pm AEST
Monash University recognises that its Australian campuses are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Kulin nations, and pays its respects to their elders, past and present.
PhD Scholarship - Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) in Melbourne 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.
