Phd Scholarship in Generative Artificial Intelligence

**The Opportunity**

Generative artificial intelligence is a significant and highly visible use of machine learning which has become commonplace in a matter of a few short years. Without common guardrails or clear precedent, humanity now contends with a technology that has potential to reshape valued parts of our social life, individually and collectively. In assessing the impacts of generative artificial intelligence, Monash University’s Faculty of Arts has launched a scholarship opportunity for an aspiring researcher to study generative artificial intelligence using a hands-on approach.

Monash Arts is seeking interested applicants who are keen to pursue novel research projects that use generative artificial intelligence within the humanities and/or social science disciplines. This PhD scholarship will be led by supervisors from the Faculty of Arts in collaboration with associate supervisors from the Monash Artificial Intelligence Institute (Faculty of Information Technology).

Applicants should develop their own research proposal, and proposals must:

- concern themselves with a social science and/or humanities research agenda as appropriate to the applicant’s research interests;
- involve the use of generative artificial intelligence in the research project either as a phenomenon being directly tested and studied, or as a substantial component of the research design or methodology.

Proposals that are critical of generative artificial intelligence will not be disadvantaged in the selection process, but must still meet all other requirements.

The below themes are offered as inspiration for research proposals, and applicants are invited to develop entirely different proposals.
- Investigating theories/strategies of prompt completion and/or moderation in line with specific moral or ethical codes;
- Studying AI content creation in specific media industries or hobbyist contexts;
- Analysis of activist and/or other counter-use of generative AI platforms;
- Reverse engineering antisocial or anti-democratic generative AI campaigns, and identifying remediation strategies;
- Theorising differing social, cultural, economic, creative, and/or artistic value associated with AI content;

The successful applicant will have a strong academic track record in the Social Sciences and/or Humanities. Pre-existing technical knowledge of artificial intelligence is not required.

In its assessment, the selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honour’s or Master’s degree (both in a relevant field), with a significant research component and with first-class honours/H1 awarded.

Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

The successful applicant will be expected to enrol **by 31**st** March 2026**. However, there may be some flexibility as to the date of commencement.

**Enquiries**

**Submit an Expression of Interest**

EOIs shall comprise:

- A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability for this topic and outlining your research background
- A brief research proposal not exceeding 750 words in length that fits within the broad project aims and objectives, and demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience (e.g. industry reports etc.)
- A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
- English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
- Names and contact details of 2 academic referees

**Application Close**:Sunday 23 November 2025, 11:55pm AEDT

**Supporting a diverse workforce