On the hardship that is homelessness
We are currently seeking two PhD candidates for an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award Project titled: On the hardship that is homelessness. The overarching purpose of this project is to investigate what pragmatic, evidenced-based, steps can be taken to improve the lives people at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. Specifically, this study will examine following research questions:
RQ1: What is the nature of pathways into and out of homelessness and how these depend on support services?
RQ2: What are the consequences of homelessness for wellbeing and how do these depend on support services?
RQ3: How do the consequences of homelessness evolve the longer one is homeless and how do these consequences depend on support services?
The specific research questions are expected to evolve over time throughout an iterative research process with the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland. The PhD candidates will need to work collaboratively with the Society to create and disseminate new knowledge. They will be expected to publish chapters of their PhD thesis in prestigious peer-reviewed journals throughout the course of their candidature. Success in this role requires the PhD candidates to apply advanced quantitative methods using statistical packages such as Stata or R. Upon completion the PhD candidates will be equipped with valuable skills necessary to excel within academia and outside of academia.
Scholarship details
The research will be undertaken within the Housing Group within the Cities Research Institute at Griffith University working with Dr Christopher L. Ambrey (Principal supervisor). It is envisioned that the PhD candidate will build on University’s strong research record, already evaluated as above world standing in Studies in Human Society, in the Excellence in Research for Australia, 2018 National Report.
The PhD candidate will be based at the Gold Coast.
The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to apply quantitative research methods and write for academic audiences. You will have a passion for embedded solutions oriented social sciences, with a strong desire to undertake research into homelessness. There are 2 scholarship opportunities available, one funded by Griffith University (first class honours required) and one funded directly by the ARC Grant (second class honours required)
- Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
- Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors 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 Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
Please note:
- Ideally the PhD candidate will have demonstrated expertise in advanced applied econometrics or another relevant field using Stata or R.
International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
- A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
- A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
As a scholarship holder, 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, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
For project related enquiries please contact:
Dr Christopher L. Ambrey
Email: c.ambrey@griffith.edu.au
For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to c.ambrey@griffith.edu.au containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a copy of your academic transcript
- A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
- Names of two referees
The closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday 11 April 2025
The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line
Get in touch
If you have a question, need some help with your scholarship application, or would like to make a donation, feel free to contact us.