PhD Scholarship: Understanding Precarity in Australia's Youth Workforce

Company Description

As one of the most influential universities in Australia and the Asia–Pacific region, you will join Griffith University that spans five physical campuses in South East Queensland, while our network of more than 200,000 graduates extends worldwide. Griffith Sciences Group has over 450 staff members and researchers. We take pride in our global research contributions driven by our three Schools; Environment & Science, Engineering & Built Environment and Information & Communication Technology. Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates within the Schools have unfettered access to our leading researchers, state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative industry partners. Griffith is a multi-site university and you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith Health aims to transform the world by educating the next generation, providing lifelong learning opportunities and conducting world-leading research, to achieve a healthier future for all. The Griffith Centre for Mental Health within the School of Applied Psychology, unifies the work of Griffith University mental health researchers by fostering innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration.

The position will be based in the School of Applied Psychology and Centre of Mental Health, at Griffith University Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Job Description

We are seeking a PhD candidate to join the Australia Research Council Discovery Project funded Breaking the Cycle:  Understanding Precarity in Australia's Youth Workforce project. This research will examine the life-history factors that contribute to young people experiencing precarious employment trajectories during their transition into the adult workforce. Additionally, the project will examine the impact of these employment patterns on the development and overall adjustment of young people, and, importantly, identify factors to break the cycle of precarity.

The primary focus of this role will be to investigate the mechanisms through which precarious employment creates ripple effects on young people's broader development and adjustment during the pivotal stages of late adolescence and early adulthood. This research will culminate in co-designed, actionable recommendations that can translate to interventions for breaking the cycle of precarity, by stimulating interventions at the organisational level. Outcomes will target priority areas identified in the Australian Government Youth Policy Framework.

This project could involve quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods research with young people who are experiencing employment precarity and other key stakeholders, including employers and significant others such as the young person's family members.

Qualifications

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful in this role, you will be able to work in a multi-disciplinary research environment, demonstrate strong analytical skills, work both independently and collaboratively and be well organised. You will have a passion for finding evidence-based solutions to support youth development and well-being with a strong desire to undertake research in understanding and addressing youth precarious employment.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic, onshore international and international applicants.  If you are an international applicant who is currently offshore, please consider the viability of travelling costs before submitting an expression of interest. Please see the FAQs web page for requirements for offshore international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class or second class (division A) honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure.  For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Please note:

• A successful candidate is expected to hold degrees in psychology, organisational behaviour, statistics or related fields.
• This role may involve working with research participants under the age of 18. As such, the successful applicant may be required to obtain a Working with Children Check (or be eligible to obtain one) as a condition of their enrolment and/or involvement in the project.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

Additional Information

About the scholarship

The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

EoI process

Please do not select the "APPLY" button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to  containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a  copy of your academic transcript
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Tuesday 30 September 2025 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

What Griffith offers

As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

Further information

For project related enquiries please contact:

Professor Michelle Hood

Email:

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Email: hdr-