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;

Undertaking this PhD as a part of Monash University's generative artificial intelligence research strategy has several advantages. First, the successful candidate will be integrated into an interdisciplinary, cross-faculty research culture in the Monash Artificial Intelligence Institute and included in a cohort of other PhD students studying generative artificial intelligence from across a range of disciplines. Secondly, the candidate will benefit from expert interdisciplinary supervision on a highly impactful issue with opportunities for personal and career development. Thirdly, the candidate will benefit from Monash's significant investment in artificial intelligence research. Finally, the candidate will benefit from being supported in developing their own research outcomes, which may include sole or co-authored publications, funded symposia, school-engagement exercises, and future grant applications.

Candidate Requirements

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.

Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Arts are available at Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply.

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 31st March 2026. However, there may be some flexibility as to the date of commencement.

Enquiries

Before your submit an Expression of Interest and for all inquiries, please discuss your proposal via email with Dr Robbie Fordyce ) including the job number noted above in the subject line

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

Once you have discussed your EOI with Dr Robbie Fordyce please submit your Expression of Interest Form and indicate that you are applying for a "Special Scholarship Scheme – PhD Scholarship in Generative Artificial Intelligence".

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

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