Making CHOICES: Migrant and refugee women’s experiences of fertility management

Translational Health Research Institute

Lead Researcher: Dr Alexandra Hawkey

About the project

The Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) is offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to work within a research group addressing migrant and refugee women’s fertility management. The project is funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

This project aims to examine migrant and refugee women’s perception and experiences of fertility management, focusing on fertility decision-making, contraception, and management of unplanned pregnancies. The project will utilise novel qualitative and arts-based methods, including body-mapping and interviewing. Health literacy and service support needs will be addressed through the co-design, co-production and evaluation of an online health education resource, a knowledge translation art exhibition and recommendations for health promotion and healthcare provision. The PhD candidate will focus on one area of research within the broader project, working in collaboration with the project team.

THRI is a research institute within Western Sydney University. THRI researchers conduct world-class research on health and health outcomes, tackling health and wellbeing challenges locally, nationally and globally. At THRI Higher Degree Research candidates are offered a vigorous program of workshops, seminars, symposia, and networking roundtables. Support is also available for conference attendance and fieldwork costs, both in Australia and overseas.

What does the scholarship provide?

  • Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $32,192(AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
  • International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $32,192(AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.
  • Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.

International candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC)(opens in a new window) insurance policy for the duration their study in Australia. This cost is not covered by the scholarship.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to address inequities in migrant and refugee women’s sexual and reproductive health. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in contraception, abortion, and reproductive coercion using intersectional, reproductive justice, and other feminist frameworks and qualitative methods, including creative visual methodologies.

The successful applicant should:

  • hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
  • demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to public health, health psychology, social sciences or related areas.
  • have experience and a strong understanding of working with marginalised populations, including migrant and refugee women, on sensitive topics.
  • have experience or be willing to learn skills applicable to qualitative and arts-based research.
  • be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
  • people who speak a language other than English are encouraged to apply.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.(opens in a new window)

How to apply

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher;
Dr Alexandra Hawkey: a.hawkey@westernsydney.edu.au.

THRI requires all applicants to complete an eligibility check before proceeding with an application. Please speak with Dr Hawkey to organise this.

Once your eligibility for admission has been confirmed, follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship page.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the scholarship application process, please submit your scholarship enquiry:

  • Currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here
  • Not currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here

Applications close 31 May 2024.

*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Scholarship reference code: PS2024_053_THRI