PhD Scholarship in Anthropology – Uterus Transplantation

The Opportunity

Monash University Arts Graduate Research is funding a PhD scholarship as part of the Australian Research Council funded project ‘A comparative sociocultural and ethical study of uterus transplants’ which is led by Professor Andrea Whittaker (School of Social Sciences, Monash University), Professor Catherine Mills (School of Social Sciences, Monash University), Dr Sharmila Rudrappa (University of Texas in Austin), and Dr Anthony Marren (University of Sydney). The Australian Research Council funded this project under its prestigious Discovery Project scheme.

The larger socio-cultural study, of which the PhD project is part, aims to undertake a comparative study of the new Australian Uterine Transplant (UTx) trial with established and emerging UTx programs in the US and India. The project is anticipated to provide theoretical insights on the social and ethical impacts of this technology for improved public policy responses.

The successful candidate will be expected to undertake a project involving observations of clinical trial management and interviews with clinical staff to explore: how clinical trials are managed and the organisation, challenges, and contingencies involved and the co-production of knowledge across a diverse team of specialists. The PhD student will be expected to undertake fieldwork in Sydney. It may also involve observations and interviews at the international conferences of UTx to understand the networks, exchanges and processes through which a new medical discipline is created. We envisage that HDR Supervision will involve Professor Whittaker, Dr Marren and Dr John Gardener.

Working on a PhD as part of a larger project has major advantages. The successful candidate will be integrated into a successful research agenda that has been funded by a prestigious and highly competitive funding scheme. They will have access to funding to support fieldwork, and travel, and will also receive expert supervision from senior research leaders in relevant fields. Furthermore, we envisage that the PhD candidate will co-author with the chief investigators. The candidate will participate in conferences, and further research training tailored to their needs.

Monash University is the largest university in Australia and ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide. Monash has six globally networked campuses and international alliances in the US, Europe and Asia. Anthropology at Monash has research expertise in Medical Anthropology. We have a strong and supportive research culture, led by internationally recognized scholars who are successful in attracting national and international competitive funding.

Candidate Requirements

The successful applicant will have an outstanding academic track record in Anthropology, Science and Technology Studies; Sociology, or other relevant disciplines. Competence in qualitative research methods is desirable.

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 www.monash.edu/arts/graduate_research/how-to-apply. 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. This opportunity is open to candidates of any nationality.

Successful applicants will be expected to enrol by the end of 2021, but there may be some flexibility regarding the date of commencement.

Job No.: 625219

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3-year and 3-month fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive an Arts Research Living Allowance, at current value of $29,500 per annum 2021 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions at: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/scholarships/scholarship-policy-and-procedures. A tuition fee scholarship and Single Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) will be provided for a successful international awardee.

Enquiries

Professor Andrea Whittaker, School of Social Sciences, andrea.whittaker@monash.edu

Submit an Expression of Interest ( EOI)

EOIs shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability;
• A brief research proposal not exceeding 750 words in length that fits within the broader project, 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 such as research assistantships;
• A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation; and
• Contact details of two academic referees.

You may contact Professor Andrea Whittaker (andrea.whittaker@monash.edu) prior to submission of the EOI to discuss the project.

Your EOI should be sent in the form of a single attachment to an e-mail to Ms Kinda Say, Senior Graduate Research Administrator, Faculty of Arts, at the following e-mail address arts-agr-apply@monash.edu. State “EOI [your name] – PhD Scholarship in Anthropology – Uterus Transplantation” in the subject heading of the email.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by video call.

Closing Date

Monday 18th October, 2021,11:55pm AEDT