**The Opportunity**
**The Faculty of Information Technology and Monash Energy Institute**
Information technology research at Monash is multidisciplinary, spans multiple campuses globally and involves partnerships with industry and institutions worldwide. The Faculty is organised into three departments - Data Science & Artificial Intelligence; Software Systems & Cybersecurity; and Human-Centred Computing - with cross-cutting research themes covering work from core computing science through software engineering to social and organisational informatics. Research strengths include intelligent systems, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital health, sustainability and human-computer interaction.
The Monash Energy Institute is working to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy future by fostering and facilitating impactful interdisciplinary research, in collaboration with its trusted partners. By building strong and long-term partnerships with
Australian and international industry, government and research organisations, the Institute's goal is to facilitate regional and global impact through innovation in energy materials, advanced energy technologies and smart energy systems. To learn more about this important work, please visit here.
**Knowledge and background**
**Suggested PhD topics**
As part of their proposal, applicants should outline how their research will advance First Nations' peoples interests in the Australian energy transition. Topics could include:
- How to realise energy justice for First Nations communities through different energy systems (e.g. large-scale renewables, diesel genset options and/or community-scale renewable systems), housing types (e.g. community housing) and/or ownership models.
- Exploring the impacts of prepayment meters in remote communities and identifying alternatives
- Investigating the health-related impacts of energy insecurity, through thermally inefficient housing, inconsistent refrigeration, and high occupancy of dwellings.
- Supporting Indigenous people in accessing, operating, maintaining and caring for consumer energy resources (solar and batteries), energy efficient equipment, and/or other local energy solutions. Exploring supply chain and maintenance pathways for remote Australia.
- Bringing Indigenous futures perspectives and knowledge systems into visions and scenarios for the energy transition.
- Mapping/visualising Indigenous knowledge of climate and weather to support energy forecasting and planning
More broadly, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and how they support research into human and technology futures, as well as their interest in innovative and participatory methodologies.
This scholarship opportunity is open to domestic applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
The selection committee will evaluate applicants holistically and prioritise First Nations applicants with research and/or skilled experience and a strong academic track record in a relevant discipline or interdisciplinary area. Experience in related fields and roles will also be considered.
**Enquiries**
Enquiries concerning this opportunity should be directed to the Monash Energy Institute Research Director, Professor Yolande Strengers,
**Submit an Expression of Interest**
EOIs shall comprise:
- The completed HDR Expression of Interest Form
- A short research proposal (up to 2 pages)
- Evidence of academic qualifications
- Evidence of English-language proficiency
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
- Academic writing sample and if applicable a portfolio of practice-based research
Use MADA research proposal and CV guidelines to help prepare your EOI:
**Closing date for receipt of EOIs**:
Friday 24 October 2025, 11:55pm AEDT
**Supporting a diverse workforce
📌 Phd Opportunity - Indigenous (Energy)
🏢 Monash University
📍 Melbourne