PhD Scholarship with Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN)

Help shape the future of sustainable cities through cutting-edge urban systems research.

Full-time, fixed-term (3-years) opportunity at our Hawthorn campus

Annual scholarship stipend $35,500

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an innovative research project exploring how freight systems interact with housing, infrastructure and environmental outcomes in rapidly changing urban environments. This interdisciplinary project will develop an integrated spatial-economic framework using advanced GIS, econometric analysis and scenario modelling to address a critical gap in urban systems research.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of sophisticated analytical models examining the relationship between freight and mobility, land use, infrastructure investment and climate resilience, generating policy-relevant insights and decision-support tools for more sustainable and equitable urban planning.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with large-scale urban datasets and advanced modelling techniques while contributing to research with real-world impact on future cities and infrastructure planning. If you are passionate about data-driven research, spatial analysis and solving complex urban challenges, we encourage you to apply.

About You

We are looking for a candidate with strong analytical capability, technical expertise and an interest in sustainable urban systems and infrastructure planning.

You will ideally have:

• Proficiency in econometrics and statistical analysis, including regression modelling and panel data analysis
• Experience using R, Python and/or Stata for advanced data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work with large and complex datasets, including spatial and administrative data
• Experience in spatial-temporal modelling or related quantitative methodologies
• Strong proficiency in GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS, including:
• Spatial and network analysis
• Integration and management of complex spatial datasets
• Production of high-quality analytical outputs beyond basic mapping and visualisation
• Excellent research, problem-solving and communication skills
• A demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing collaboratively within a research team
• Strong academic writing skills, with evidence of journal publications, conference proceedings, or other research dissemination outputs viewed favourably.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s (First Class Honours) or Master’s degree in Economics, Urban Planning/Studies, Engineering, or a related discipline, or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and professional experience.

About Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.

What We Offer You!

• Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
• Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

Want to learn more? Head over to our benefits page!

To Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position.

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@swin.edu.au

Applications Close: Friday 17 July 2026, at 11.00pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process.

For reasonable adjustment requests - including accessible formats of the position description, application form, or other documents, please contact talentacquisition@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550. Please note: this phone number is for disability and reasonable adjustment enquiries only. General enquiries about the role can also be emailed to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au.

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.

As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.