PhD Scholarships in Aviation

Overview We are seeking three highly motivated graduates to join our team as PhD candidates in the Department of Aviation, School of Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology. This is a full-time, fixed-term opportunity with three fully funded PhD scholarships, each linked to a unique project and supervisory team. We have over 30 years of experience in flight training, safety, human factors, and aviation management, and have recently expanded into Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). The department offers access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including aviation simulators and drones, with strong industry connections and collaborative partnerships. Applicants should indicate which project they are applying for and outline their relevant qualifications, skills, and experience. Within each project area there is scope to shape the topic based on interests. Projects Project 1: Airline Network Planning — focus on airline network planning, operations, economics, finance, and aviation technology. We seek candidates with strong quantitative/analytical skills (economics, econometrics, statistics, OR). Experience with data modelling, GIS, optimisation, and Python or R is highly desirable. Candidates from other data-driven backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Project 2: Human Factors in Flight Training — explores human factors in commercial pilot training. Swinburne collaborates with CAE Melbourne Flight Training. Applicants with expertise in human factors, aviation psychology, piloting, or related fields are welcome. The project may involve periods at Moorabbin Airport and offers the opportunity to lead a significant research project impacting aviation training. Project 3: Drone Delivery Services — investigates design, performance, risks, and optimisation of drone-based delivery networks. Ideal candidates have expertise in computer science, OR, transport engineering, or related areas, with strong quantitative and programming skills (Python or R). Experience in transport modelling, spatial data processing, analytics, or optimisation is highly regarded. About You To be suitable for this role you will need to meet the following key accountabilities: A strong academic background relevant to the project area. Ability to work independently and collaboratively to deliver quality research outcomes. Proficiency in data modelling, statistical analysis, and/or research methods. Excellent communication skills, including scientific writing and presenting research findings. Demonstrated ability to engage with industry stakeholders and work on collaborative research projects. Qualifications Completion of at least one of the following qualifications in aviation or a field relevant to the proposed PhD topic: Research-focused Master’s degree with at least two-thirds devoted to research. Coursework Master’s degree with independent research and Swinburne-equivalent criteria for grades. Bachelor Honours degree with Swinburne-equivalent grades for overall and research components. Equivalent qualification or research experience meeting Swinburne’s standards (see entry requirements). Comply with Swinburne's English language requirements for PhD admission. About Swinburne University Of Technology Swinburne’s strategy focuses on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research. How to Apply Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position. Your cover letter should identify the specific project for which you are applying. To review the Position Description and apply, please scroll to the bottom of the page. If you are viewing this advert from an external site, click apply and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description. Appointment is subject to passing a Working with Children Check. Applications Close: Sunday 23 November 2025, at 11.00pm. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Swinburne is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We support applicants with disabilities and can arrange reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. For reasonable adjustment requests, including accessible formats, please contact or call +61 . General enquiries about the role can be sent to Seniority level Internship Employment type Full-time Job function Other Industries Higher Education Melbourne, Victoria, Australia #J-18808-Ljbffr