School of Arts and Humanities Climate Justice PhD Scholarship

This scholarship provides funding to support a PhD candidate to explore knowledges, capacities and actions of the Western Australian (WA) community service sector’s understanding of and engagement with the social justice impacts of climate change (Climate Justice).

The Western Australian community service sector has partnered with Edith Cowan University (ECU) to produce a Climate Justice and Resilience Toolkit. This Toolkit will support community organisations to embed a climate justice lens in their operations, programs, and practice. The project is funded by Lotterywest and community sector partners. ECU's School of Arts and Humanities has contributed a full scholarship for a PhD student to join the project.

The candidate will receive a 3-year scholarship for a stipend of $33,000 AUD per year (full-time), with possible 6-month extension. The PhD candidate will work alongside the project team to co-design the PhD project methodology with the Steering Committee, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Elders, and Lived Experience Reference Group.

The successful candidate will be based in ECU’s School of Arts and Humanities in the Social Work program, working with an interdisciplinary team of researchers and community partners. The position can be based in Perth or the South West with capability to travel as needed.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must:

• be an Australian citizen or hold permanent Australian resident status;
• meet the PhD admission requirements at ECU https://www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/courses/doctor-of-philosophy ;
• enrol in the Doctor of Philosophy full-time at ECU;
• have a bachelor’s degree with first class honours or master’s degree in social work, sociology, sustainability or equivalent field

Candidates will need to have the following experience to undertake the project:

• An understanding of and interest in climate justice and the climate crisis
• Understanding of and experience in decolonising processes
• An understanding of research methodologies including participatory action research and evaluation research methods
• Participatory community research and/or community development experience
• Creative presentation and group facilitation skills
• Sound research and writing skills
• Proven organisational skills
• A willingness to learn software and online platforms for research

Other highly desirable attributes:

• An understanding of the climate change context in the WA community services sector
• Identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person or demonstrated capacity working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

This PhD will be completed over three years full-time, with the possibility of a six-month extension. The student will develop the PhD topic and proposal with the supervision team and project Steering Committee, and will implement the research through the Climate Justice Toolkit project. The PhD will most likely involve an internship in a WA community sector organisation.

Interested candidates must meet eligibility requirements for doctoral level programs. Please submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) before applying for the doctoral program. Your EOI should comprise the following:

• a cover letter that includes a brief statement of your suitability for the scholarship and project;
• the names of two professional referees;
• a copy of your academic transcript; and a
• brief CV (Curriculum Vitae) containing your contact details.

The EOI can be submitted to Dr Naomi Godden at n.godden@ecu.edu.au by 17 July 2023.

Questions about this scholarship can be directed to:

Dr Naomi Joy Godden,
School of Arts and Humanities, ECU
Email: n.godden@ecu.edu.au
Phone: 9780 7670

More information on ECU’s PhD scholarships can be obtained here or by contacting enquiries@ecu.edu.au