"PhD Student Call for Expressions of Interest - International Law and Online Disinformation"

About the position

The Faculty of Law at Bond University is calling for expressions of interest from law graduates interested in undertaking a PhD examining how private, and public, international law shapes, constrains, and responds to online disinformation. 

The successful applicant will be supervised by Professor Dan Svantesson and Dr Kana Nakano.

Research question

How does (private and public) international law affect online disinformation?

Description of the research project

The recently released United Nations Global Risk Report describes how stakeholders from around the world perceive global risks and assess the multilateral system’s readiness to address them. Drawing on data from 2024, it notes that:

“One vulnerability clearly stands out: mis- and disinformation. It is perceived as an extremely important risk for which the international community is not prepared, with the potential to exacerbate geopolitical tensions, societal discord and crisis response challenges.” (United Nations Executive Office of the Secretary-General, UN Global Risk Report (Report, February 2024) 16)

This project seeks to evaluate how international law – both public and private – affects online disinformation. Key concepts in public international law, such as sovereignty and jurisdiction will be in focus. As to private international law, focus will be placed on Australian law but may extend to a comparison with other country’s private international law rules (or regional instruments such as those of the EU) depending upon the skillset of the candidate. 

The project will be reform-oriented in that any gaps or issues identified will be accompanied by proposals for suitable law reform. 

The successful applicant will need to meet all Bond University requirements for entry into the PhD program and achieve the milestones required by the University throughout their doctoral program. It is also a requirement that the successful applicant be based full-time at the Gold Coast campus.

Why study at Bond? 

The Bond Faculty of Law has a reputation for providing the best professional legal education in the country, and we leverage that reputation to attract exceptional law students and establish useful professional and institutional partnerships. We offer a suite of academically rigorous and professionally focussed law programs, delivered in an engaging and innovative manner by exceptional law teachers. We demonstrate an outstanding student service ethic, offer an engaging and satisfying student experience, and prioritise student wellbeing. We engage in high quality, impactful research in niche areas of research excellence.

About the person

Essential:

• A Master of Laws, Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws with Honours
• Excellent legal analysis and legal writing skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in teams
• Experience undertaking a substantial research project (e.g. Masters thesis or Honours thesis)

Desirable:

• Publication in a peer-reviewed journal; or in a chapter book or similar
• Capacity to assist with seeking external funding with support from supervisors
• Prior studies or experience in private international law and/or public international law

Salary details

Candidates will receive high quality, personalised supervision and access to the full range of facilities available to Bond University students. Successful applicants will be entitled to the following benefits:

• Tuition fee waiver: The Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) scheme provides tuition fee waivers for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents enrolled in higher degree programs such as a PhD. International students may also be eligible for a partial fee waiver. The tuition waiver lasts the duration of the program.
• Option to apply for a scholarship: The successful applicant will be encouraged to apply for the Living Stipend Scholarship at Bond University. RTP also provides a limited number of scholarships for PhD students by way of a living stipend. Application is made through a competitive round held twice a year (closing 31 March and 30 September). The current full-time stipend rate for all HDR scholarship categories for 2026 is $34,315 AUD per annum.
• Employment opportunities: The successful applicant may also be provided with employment opportunities such as research assistant or tutoring work within the Faculty of Law dependent upon prior experience and availability. Employment will be subject to the conditions of the PhD program and the terms of any scholarship awarded.
• Internship opportunities: The successful applicant may have the opportunity to partner with a business or organisation in our network to conduct research, gain valuable real-world experience and make an impact. PhD Industry Internships offer a unique opportunity to apply your research expertise to real-world challenges, collaborate with industry leaders, and build a pathway toward your future career.

Application and submission details

Please submit your expression of interest via the Bond University application portal

Your EOI must include:

• The title of the position you are applying for.
• A written statement (maximum of 2 pages) describing your interest in the research project and proposed research topic.
• A written statement (maximum of 1 page) addressing the selection criteria set out above.
• A current curriculum vitae including the names of two academic referees.
• Your academic transcripts.
• An example of your written academic work (e.g. Honours thesis, peer-reviewed journal article, or academic research projects)

For all enquiries related to this position, please contact the Faculty of Law on LawResearch@bond.edu.au

Submission is due by 27 February 2026