PhD Scholarship

Company Description We are seeking a First Nations PhD candidate to join the ARC Discovery Indigenous project “Intergenerational Healing : A Creative First Nations Approach to Wellbeing”, led by Griffith University’s Creative Arts Research Institute with partners We Al-li (Australia), Tu Tama Wahine o Taranaki (Aotearoa New Zealand), and the Centre for Social Impact (Aotearoa New Zealand). The project explores how community cultural strengths and creative practice contribute to long‑term healing from intergenerational trauma. Using Indigenist mixed methods—conversational storytelling, creative practice, and culturally designed surveys—the research will develop new knowledge, theory and resources to support community‑led wellbeing. The successful candidate will collaborate with a national and international network of cultural healers, artists, researchers and community leaders. Job Description You will be based at the Creative Arts Research Institute (CARI) within the Arts, Education, and Law Group at Griffith University South Bank campus (Meanjin / Magandjin / Brisbane), within a vibrant interdisciplinary team spanning the creative arts, health, and social sciences. As Griffith is a multi‑site University you may be required to work across other locations. CARI is a leading institute dedicated to exploring the creative arts as cultural determinants of health, justice and wellbeing. Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples. Qualifications You will be a First Nations researcher or practitioner with a demonstrated passion for creative, community‑based or trauma‑informed research. You may come from fields such as creative arts, social work, psychology, Indigenous studies, health promotion, education, or community development. A strong interest in Indigenous healing, creative practice, and community wellbeing. Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Māori, and / or Pacifica communities. Eligibility for admission to a Griffith PhD programme (first or second‑class Honours or a research Master’s degree, or equivalent research experience). Expressions of interest are welcome from Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander applicants within Australia. Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelor’s degree with honours equivalent to first or second class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with the equivalent qualifications for HDR programme admission. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here. About the scholarship The successful candidate will receive a Griffith University Indigenous Australian Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUIAPRS) with an annual stipend of $55,379 (indexed) for up to four years of full‑time study. Additional project support will be provided through the ARC Discovery Indigenous grant, including funds for team based fieldwork, travel, and creative practice activities. What Griffith offers As a scholarship holder at Griffith University, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are also to increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM). As a PhD scholar in this project, you will join a First Nations‑led interdisciplinary research team generating international collaborative research in trauma‑integrated, creative, and community‑driven healing. You will receive collaborative and reciprocal mentorship from senior Indigenous researchers and practitioners including Professor Naomi Sunderland, Honorary Associate Professor Caroline Atkinson (We Al-li), Dr Meri Haami (Tū Tama Wāhine o Taranaki, Aotearoa), Dr Rae Cooper (Griffith University), Louise Marra (Centre for Social Impact, Aotearoa), and Dr Angelina Hurley (Griffith University). EOI Process Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to the project leader Professor Naomi Sunderland via email containing: Statement addressing your suitability for the project / scholarship Statement regarding the kind of PhD topic and approach you would most like to undertake within this project Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template. Names of two referees Closing date for expressions of interest is: Monday 19 January 2026 at 5pm AEST. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to discuss the project with the international team. The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the programme and scholarship on‑line. For project related enquiries please contact: Professor Naomi Sunderland Email: For administration enquiries please contact: Griffith Graduate Research School Phone: Email: #J-18808-Ljbffr