PhD Stipend - Psychology

Job no: 0055221
Work type: PhD Stipend – 3 years
Location: Parkville
Division/Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences
Department/School: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
Remuneration: $32,400 per annum living allowance and full-fee offset
Project title: “Testing socioeconomic and motivational influences on self-objectification”

A fully-funded PhD position is available in the Evolution Lab at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences (https://psychologicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/research/msps-research-groups/evo/lab ). Supervised by Dr Khandis Blake, the PhD position commences in early 2022. The living allowance is indexed annually and includes limited paid sick leave, maternity and parenting leave.

The PhD position is part of ARC DECRA Project 210100800,” Testing socioeconomic and motivational influences on self-objectification”. The PhD project will investigate the relationship between status-seeking, economic inequality, and beautification from an evolutionary framework. Specific research questions concern (1) the conditions under which beautification is an adaptive strategy to maximize social status, and (2) the relation between status threats, beautification and local value systems.

The ideal candidate will be assessed according to their knowledge of relevant subject matter, communication skills, and potential for research productivity.

Applicant criteria

• Masters or Honors degree in psychology or related discipline, with knowledge of evolutionary or gender psychology, biological anthropology, or evolutionary biology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong potential for advanced quantitative analysis skills, with working knowledge of a statistical program (e.g., R Statistical Program)
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to independent or team-based research
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or evidence of research impact (desirable)
• Experience in study design and administration, especially of experiments (desirable)
• Proficiency in R Statistical Program (desirable)
• Desire to build an academic or research career trajectory (desirable)

The stipend is conditional upon acceptance into a relevant PhD degree at the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne. More information on MDHS requirements can be found here .

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, we are currently prioritising applications with current valid working rights in Australia and candidates who are not affected by travel restrictions. Please see the latest updates to Australia's immigration and border arrangements: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/

How to Apply

To apply for this position please complete the Expression of Interest form (found within the position description), and then send a completed copy of the form along with your cover letter, written responses to the Selection Criteria, CV, and academic transcripts from relevant prior study to Lindsie Arthur-Hulme via email ([email protected] ). Closing date for submission of applications is 28 February 2022.

Further Information

For further information or a discussion prior to completing the Expression of Interest, please contact Dr Khandis Blake via email;
Dr Khandis Blake
[email protected]
NOTE: Please do not send your application to this contact

Position Description