PHD Scholarship: Sexual Health of LGBTQIA+ People with Disability

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) is offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to work within a research group addressing the sexual health of LGBTQA+ people with disability. The project is co-funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and Western Sydney University.

This co-production project will examine the sexual health and sexual healthcare needs of LGBTQA+ people with disability, to develop, implement, and evaluate a new model of sexual health care. This model will address the distinct needs and challenges faced by LGBTQA+ people with disability. Using novel qualitative and arts-based methods, including photo-elicitation, the research will generate new insights into lived experiences, service gaps, and opportunities for reform.

The project is a collaboration between LGBTQA+ people with disability, sexual health and disability service providers, and an interdisciplinary group of academics with both lived and professional expertise across disability, LGBTQA+ health, and sexual health. The PhD candidate will focus on one area of research within the broader project, working in collaboration with the project team.

THRI is a research institute within Western Sydney University. THRI researchers conduct world-class research on health and health outcomes, tackling health and wellbeing challenges locally, nationally and globally. At THRI Higher Degree Research candidates are offered a vigorous program of workshops, seminars, symposia, and networking roundtables. Support is also available for conference attendance and fieldwork costs, both in Australia and overseas.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?

· Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188(AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.

Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the Institute.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to address inequities sexual health among LGBTQA+ people with disability. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with a strong interest in sexual and reproductive health using intersectional, reproductive justice, and other feminist frameworks and qualitative methods, including creative visual methodologies.  The successful applicant should:

· Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident.

· Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.

· Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to public health, health psychology, social sciences or related areas.

· Have experience and a strong understanding of working with marginalised populations, including LGBTQA+ people with disability, on sensitive topics.

· Have an understanding of the importance of intersectionality and the social model of disability.

· Have experience or be willing to learn skills applicable to qualitative and arts-based research.

· Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.

· People with disability who are LGBTQA+ are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Review the project's eligibility criteria. You will need to provide in your application a document which explains how you satisfy the projects eligibility criteria.

Contact the lead researcher listed to discuss your eligibility, the project's requirements and your intention to apply. You should email them to introduce yourself, describe your qualifications and experience, and express your interest in their research project. If they are interested, you may want to arrange a phone call, video call or meeting to discuss your application. You will need to request a letter of support from the lead researcher to support your application for the scholarship:

Submit an online application for the project by logging into the Online Portal and selecting 'Project Scholarship':

Note: You do not need to submit an application for Doctor of Philosophy or Research Scholarship.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researchers; Dr. Rosalie Liwela Power:

Applications close 31 October 2025

• Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

• Scholarship reference code: PS2025_CS0693505_THRI