Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Health sciences
Project description
This is an exciting opportunity to undertake a funded PhD research program in the area of systems science, climate change, and health workforce improvement. The chosen candidate will work closely under the guidance of Dr Adam Hulme alongside a team of established multidisciplinary researchers and apply qualitative and/or quantitative systems science methods to explore how climate change may impact existing workforce systems as a basis to identify systemic vulnerabilities, structural resilience, and potential points of leverage for intervention and policy action. This PhD program and the knowledge generated have the potential to make a genuine difference to both theory and practice for an increasingly critical issue that intersects both environmental and healthcare sectors.
Whilst the use of systems thinking methodologies is essential, the prospective candidate may branch out to consider systemic shocks more broadly, such as the implications of AI integration, existential risks, or other significant disruptions. The scope of research can encompass both micro-level health service systems or macro-level frameworks, providing a versatile and impactful avenue for inquiry.
Research environment
Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH) offers a supportive research environment focused on advancing rural health outcomes in Queensland. A collaboration between multiple universities and health services, SQRH aims to recruit and retain health professionals in regional, rural, and remote regions through impactful research, training, and partnerships.
Researchers at SQRH benefit from advanced facilities and technologies, including office spaces and AV/IT-enabled environments. SQRH emphasises collaboration with industry and communities to develop sustainable research projects addressing real-world challenges while focusing on workforce development, telehealth innovation, and rural health delivery models.
Scholarship
This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
- single overseas student health cover (OSHC).
Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
A working knowledge of health systems research, qualitative and/or quantitative system dynamics modelling, systems thinking methods and/or systems theory would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of health systems, public health, medicine, system dynamics, and/or complexity science and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of system dynamics and systems thinking methodologies, and/or computer science is highly desirable.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 1, 2026. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 September, 2025 30 June, 2025.
You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- Contact Dr Adam Hulme (a.hulme@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.
When you apply
You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.
In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:
- My higher degree is not collaborative
- I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
- UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.