PhD Scholarship – Innovation, Design & Technology

• Swinburne Design Factory / nandin Innovation Centre
• Full time, fixed term position at nandin Innovation Centre (Lucas Heights, Sydney, NSW)
• PhD opportunity as part of the joint DFM-ANSTO Applied Innovation PhD program

About the Opportunity
Swinburne’s Design Factory Melbourne (DFM) and the nandin Innovation Centre at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANTSO) has an exciting PhD opportunity available as part of the joint Swinburne DFM-ANSTO Applied Innovation PhD program.

This three-year fulltime (indexed) PhD scholarship is to explore areas of translational science, innovation management and innovation practices to help address societal needs. By researching early-stage innovation processes and open innovation, you’ll seek to improve links between research and industry to facilitate technology development and implementation. 

You will conduct an in-depth literature review and primary research with to first define a research gap and develop relevant research questions. Relevant research methods will be conducted and applied outcomes are expected, with commendations/interventions piloted with the partner. The PhD project can be undertaken as a traditional thesis with artefact (the practical application design), traditional thesis or thesis by publication including artefact. The successful candidate will act as a conduit for sharing knowledge between partners, with milestones for documenting and sharing outcomes of research-to-date, from the first year of the PhD.

This scholarship is funded to investigate innovation from either one of or a mix of the following areas:

1.    Innovation processes. PhD Topic examples include:

a.    Design methods for commercial application of science 

b.    End to end user experience, for Social/ cultural acceptance for diffusion of innovation purposes 

c.    Industry engaged projects such as generator programmes 

d.    Human-Centred Design (HCD) and Knowledge Transference (KT)

2.    Innovation mindset. PhD topic examples include:

a.    Design for science knowledge diffusion

b.    Design for Indigenous science

c.    Design collaboration behaviour for innovation

3.    Innovation community and culture. PhD topic examples include:

a.    People talent & Responsible innovator 

b.    Innovation Ecosystem for deep tech translation

c.    Value and Impact of innovation 

d.    Deep tech and social innovation, social good 

4.    Innovative space and environment. PhD topic examples include:

a.    Impact of space and environment on innovation mindsets, processes, teams, and culture

b.    Designing physical and digital spaces for innovation practices

c.    Designing artefact and spatial affordances for motivating innovative mindsets

About you 
To be successful in the role, you will have:

• First-class or 2A honours, or a Masters by research in design, innovation or technology fields and be able to meet Swinburne’s entry requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy
• Prior research or practice experience in one of the four innovation topic areas (community and culture, space and environment, process, mindset) Analytical thinking and critical problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills 
• Excellent time management skills and self-directed working
• Ability to collaborate with diverse, multi-disciplinary stakeholders
• Evidence of good oral and written communication skills

Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship, and proud of it. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:

• Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience
• Every Swinburne graduate gets a job
• Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution
• Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice

The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.

How to apply and further information
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing why you believe you are suitable for this position.  

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on [email protected]  

Swinburne offers flexible working options, leave and parenting/carer policies to support work life balance.

Applications Close: Sunday 17 March 2024, at 11.00pm

Equity and Diversity 
Swinburne is a large and culturally diverse organisation and we are proud of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion through key initiatives.  For further information on all our initiatives visit our Equity & Diversity website .

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

We are committed to making the recruitment process fair and equitable for all our candidates. If you have specific accessibility or support requirements please contact [email protected]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

For any support please contact [email protected] or for more information on our Indigenous strategies please follow the link to our RAP Reconciliation Action Plan

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes 
As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action , Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.  

(Agency enquiries will not be accepted for this position) (#LI-SW)

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