CSIRO Industry PhD Program (PhD Scholarship)

You'll receive:

• a stipend scholarship of $46,000 per annum (2024 rate) for a maximum duration of 4 years while undertaking a QUT PhD
• a project expense and development package of $13,000 per annum for a maximum duration of 4 years while undertaking a QUT PhD
• a three-month industry engagement component with the industry partner
• supervision by the QUT, CSIRO, and an industry partner
• a structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

You must be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.

You must also:

• meet the entry requirements for a QUT research degree / Doctor of Philosophy / Master of Philosophy / professional doctorate , including any English language requirements.
• enrol as a full-time, internal student
• be able to commence the program in the year of offer
• not have previously completed a PhD
• be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that QUT has approved and, if required, comply with QUT’s external enrolment procedures.

Other ideal eligibility includes:

• completion of a bachelor's and postgraduate qualifications in relevant fields such as psychology, marketing, and management
• interest and knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI and robotics
• experience using and interpreting qualitative and quantitative research methods and tools (e.g. NVivo, SPSS, R)
• strong report and research writing skills
• a desire to work in applied research and complete an internship with the industry partner.

Note: There is no application closing date for this opportunity. Applications will be evaluated upon receipt, until the position has been filled.

Successful students are subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of QUT in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions.

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.

Download the CSIRO Industry PhD Program information

Download the CSIRO Industry PhD Program student brochure

The COVID pandemic has led to a significant increase in demand for warehousing and logistics workers due to the shift to online channels. However, the popularity of working from home has created a serious shortage of workers in the sector. To address this issue, this study explores the potential of cobotics (collaborative robots that work alongside human operators) and robotics to increase the attractiveness, productivity, efficiency, and safety of warehouse and logistics work. Work design research has identified factors associated with improved motivation, performance, absenteeism, and safety.

The first study will compare traditional warehouses with those where robotics and cobotics have been implemented to understand how this technology affects work design and quality. The second stage will involve interviews with managers and researchers experienced in implementing cobotics to identify alternative approaches and their impact on employee well-being. The studies will build a framework for enhancing the quality and productivity of work and to provide recommendations for improving the design of robotic and cobotics-enhanced work. The framework will be tested for viability through a survey of workers who operate in robotic and cobotics-enhanced warehouses.

The research aims to provide insights to support the roll-out of emerging collaborative technologies in workplaces to improve both productivity and worker well-being.

This PhD program will begin from 19 February 2024.

For further information on the project, contact Associate Professor Frank Mathmann ,  Dr Di Wang , or Dr Claire Mason .