The 榴莲视频app of 榴莲视频app (UOW) invites applications from outstanding candidates for a funded PhD scholarship to undertake an interdisciplinary research project examining gender-based violence in the context of work, with a particular focus on how structurally disadvantaged workers experience reporting processes, help-seeking pathways and access to justice in NSW.
Gender-based violence in the context of work is a significant but under-addressed social and policy issue. It includes a spectrum of harmful behaviours that occur in, through, or are connected to workplace and employment settings, such as sexual harassment, coercive and controlling behaviours, stalking, image-based abuse, threats, intimidation and other forms of gendered violence and abuse.
These harms are not experienced equally. They are often concentrated among workers facing structural disadvantage, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, migrant and refugee workers, LGBTQ+ workers, workers with disability, young workers, and people in precarious, casual or temporary forms of employment.
We are seeking PhD project proposals investigating the structural, cultural and practical barriers that prevent workers from reporting gender-based violence in workplace and employment contexts and from accessing legal, organisational and community-based support.
The successful candidate will contribute to original, practice-oriented research with strong policy and sector relevance. The project is expected to generate evidence-based recommendations for service delivery, law and policy reform, and better support systems for workers affected by gender-based violence.
Potential PhD projects might focus on:
- Barriers to reporting gender-based violence in workplace and employment contexts among vulnerable and marginalised workers
- Experiences of help-seeking and access to legal, organisational and community-based responses
- The effectiveness of integrated legal and social service models for workers experiencing gender-based violence
- Policy, practice and systemic reforms to improve equity, accessibility and sustainability of responses
Research environment and Supervision Team
The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Associate Professor Sarah Ailwood (Principal Supervisor), Dr Rachel Loney-Howes (Secondary Supervisor), and Dr Laura Vidal (Associate Supervisor).
The candidate will be based within UOW's Faculty of Arts, Society and Business HDR environment and will benefit from cross-disciplinary supervision spanning law, criminology, sociology, and social work.
The PhD project is part of the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Doctoral Training Program. The project offers a supportive network of senior scholars, early career academics and HDR peers, opportunities for engagement with a policy and practice communities, and will support the candidate's development as an interdisciplinary researcher with strong sector-facing skills.
The candidate will also have the opportunity to work closely in collaboration with community legal and social service delivery organisations on developing and implementing a PhD project with immediate real-world impact.
Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Society and Business
Study area: Law, Social Sciences & Advocacy
Student type: Domestic students
Student status: Future Students
Scholarship amount
UOW Base Rate ($36,943 per annum for 2026)
Duration
3.5 years
Application process
Applicants should submit the following materials:
- a 3-4-page research proposal aligned with the project theme
- a curriculum vitae
- academic transcripts
- a cover letter (one page) outlining motivation to undertake doctoral research, research interests, relevant experience and suitability for the project
- contact details of 2 referees, including at least 1 academic referee.
Proposals should be submitted by Monday 29 June 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to tailor their proposal to the broad theme of gender-based violence in the context of work and may propose a specific population, setting, or response model within that scope.
Enquiries: For informal enquiries about the project and supervisory team, please contact Associate Professor Sarah Ailwood (sarah_ailwood@uow.edu.au).
Eligibility requirements
We welcome applications from high-achieving candidates with an undergraduate background with honours (ideally first class or honours with research experience) or a master's degree (with a major research component) in criminology, law, sociology, social work, gender studies, public policy, or a closely related discipline.
We welcome applications from both recent graduates and established professionals working in the legal or social services sector, with the above credentials, who are looking to advance their skills and impact through undertaking a PhD.
The successful candidate for the PhD scholarship will be able to maintain paid employment to the extent that it does not adversely affect satisfactory academic progress on the PhD.
The ideal applicant will demonstrate:
- Hold an Honours Class 1 or honours with relevant research experience or a master's degree (with a major research component) in criminology, law, sociology, social work, gender studies, public policy, or a closely related discipline.
- a strong academic record and capacity for independent research
- a demonstrated interest in gender-based violence, work and employment, law and justice, or related fields
- experience with qualitative, participatory, feminist and/or trauma-informed research approaches (desirable)
- an ability to work collaboratively with industry and community partners
- excellent written and oral communication skills
The successful candidate must commence by 31 August 2026.
Application closing date
29 June 2026
Contact information
Sarah Ailwood