PhD Scholar in Global Bioethics & Cultural Diversity

Monash University; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Monash University invites two PhD candidates to join the ARC-funded project on Addressing Cultural Diversity in Healthcare Through Global Bioethics. Based at the Monash Bioethics Centre, Clayton campus, Melbourne, you will develop individual doctoral projects while contributing to a larger research program.

Scholars will receive a tax-free stipend of AUD 41,100 per annum (2027 rate) with tuition fee scholarship and OSHC for international awardees. Applications close 9 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Australian Honours or Master’s degree in a relevant field with a significant research component.
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, including surveys.
• Strong track record in academic performance and research potential.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to ARC-funded project on cultural diversity and global bioethics.
• Develop and pursue your own doctoral project aligned with the program.
• Engage in research activities, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

Skills

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Survey design

Education

Honours or Master’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

PhD Scholarship in Cultural Diversity and Global Bioethics (2x positions)

PhD Scholarship in Cultural Diversity and Global Bioethics (2x positions)

Job No.:699173

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at current value of $41,100AUD per annum 2027 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions at: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/scholarships/scholarship-policy-and-procedures. A tuition fee scholarship and Single Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) will be provided for a successful international awardee.

The Opportunity

This PhD scholarship is funded as an important part of an ARC funded project “Addressing Cultural Diversity in Healthcare Through Global Bioethics”, conducted by Dr. Ehsan Shamsi Gooshki.

The project will undertake a comprehensive examination of how bioethics engages with cultural diversity across Australian and global healthcare contexts, drawing on a combination of qualitative, quantitative and analytical methods.

Two PhD candidates will join the research team and contribute to the broader Australian Research Council Future Fellowship project while developing their own distinct doctoral projects. The precise focus of each PhD is open to negotiation and will be shaped by the candidate’s interests and expertise. Projects may involve qualitative empirical research, quantitative surveys, literature-based research, conceptual and normative analysis, or mixed methods.

Undertaking a PhD as part of this larger project offers several advantages. Successful candidates will join an established ARC-funded research program and have access to project resources supporting research activities. They will receive expert supervision in global and applied bioethics and benefit from an established international network of researchers and bioethics institutions. Candidates will also have opportunities to contribute to broader project outputs, including publications, policy engagement, international collaborations and future research initiatives.

The PhD candidates will be based at the Monash Bioethics Centre at Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne. Established in 1980 as Australia’s first research centre devoted to bioethics, the Centre is a world-leading hub for bioethics research and education. Its interdisciplinary research addresses major ethical, social and policy challenges in healthcare and biomedical science, with a strong record of influencing national and international policy and practice. The Monash Bioethics Centre is situated within the School of Philosophical, Historical and Indigenous Studies in the Faculty of Arts. This provides candidates with access to a broad interdisciplinary academic environment spanning philosophy, bioethics, Indigenous studies, history and related humanities and social science disciplines. Candidates will join a strong and supportive research culture, working alongside internationally recognised scholars and a thriving community of doctoral and early-career researchers, while benefiting from the wider intellectual and research opportunities available across the Faculty of Arts and Monash University.

Candidate Requirements

The successful applicant will have an excellent academic track record in a relevant discipline, such as bioethics, health sciences or a related field. They should demonstrate a strong understanding of healthcare practice and clinical environments, together with experience or demonstrated capacity in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, including surveys.

In its assessment, the selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honour’s or Master’s degree (both in a relevant field), with a significant research component and with first-class honours/H1 awarded.

Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Arts are available atarts.monash.edu/graduate-research/application-process. Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply.

Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

The successful applicant will be expected to enrol by 1 March 2027. However, there may be some flexibility as to the date of commencement.

Enquiries

Before submitting an application, you are required to contact Dr Ehsan Shamsi Gooshki at the Monash Bioethics Centre and provide a CV of no more than three pages and a one-page cover letter. Candidates who appear suitable based on these materials will be contacted directly to arrange a meeting to discuss their proposed research and, if appropriate, invited to proceed with the formal application process. Please email your CV and cover letter to ***************@monash.edu before submitting an application.

How to Apply

Applications shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability
• A draft Research Proposalthat fits within the broad project aims and objectives, and demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
• A detailed curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience
• A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
• Names and contact details of 2 academic referees

Once you have discussed your proposal with Dr. Ehsan Shamsi Gooshki, please submit your application via My.App and upload all supporting documentation in pdf format:

• Select Admission Only as the Application Type
• Select ‘Yes’ to indicate that you are applying for a scholarship for this research and enter “PhD Scholarship in Cultural Diversity and Global Bioethics” as the scholarship name under Research Program Funding of the application.
• Select Dr Ehsan Shamsi Gooshki as the proposed main supervisor (final supervision arrangements to be confirmed upon appointment).

Applications Close: Monday 9 November 2026, 11:55 pm AEST

Supporting a diverse workforce

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.

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