Project opportunity
This Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.
We are seeking a talented candidate to join our What Matters 2Kids (WM2K) project team to undertake a PhD focusing on exploring and understanding the components of wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5-11 years.
WM2K aims to develop a nationally relevant, strengths-based wellbeing measure for First Nations Australian children aged 5-11 years to inform clinical and policy decision-making. The WM2Kids measure will be grounded in the experiences, values and culture of First Nations Australian children and will be scored using their preferences.
The WM2K project is led by Dr Kate Anderson, Senior Research Fellow, First Nations Cancer & Wellbeing Research Team, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland. The 5-year project commenced in January 2023 and is a fully funded project by an NHMRC Ideas Grant. The project will use a three-phase mixed methods design, following principles for ground-up development of preference-based measures. Our team is highly experienced in this type of research and measure development. We will use innovative, culturally grounded qualitative methods to engage First Nations Australian children in the research, and best practice measure development methods.
We are seeking a PhD student who will work under the supervision of our experienced researchers. Depending on the candidate's experience and preferences, there are opportunities within WM2K for a PhD using qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods research approaches.
The PhD student will be based at University of Queensland's Herston Campus in Brisbane.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates are encouraged to apply.
Scholarship value
As a scholarship recipient, you'll receive:
- living stipend of $32,192 per annum tax free (2023 rate), indexed annually
- tuition fees covered
- single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Supervisor
Faculty of Medicine
Email: kate.anderson@uq.edu.au
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history.
A working knowledge of Indigenist methodologies and experience working with children would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of public health and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of First Nations health and wellbeing is highly desirable.
Latest commencement date
If you are the successful candidate, you must commence by Research Quarter 1, 2026. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date.
If you are an international applicant, you may need to apply much earlier for visa requirements.
How to apply
You apply for this project as part of your PhD program application.