Project summary
The MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration (RSRC) is a leading road safety research centre in Queensland, undertaking applied research that informs road safety policy, legislation and practice, with the aim of reducing road trauma and improving safety outcomes for all road users.The RSRC brings together a multidisciplinary team with recognised expertise in impaired driving, road user behaviour, traffic law enforcement, behaviour change and fitness to drive. Our research explores questions such as:
- Why do people engage in risky behaviours, even when they understand the potential consequences?
- How do emotions, cognitive biases and social influences shape decision-making?
- Why do people disregard safety messages or accept misinformation?
- How do mental health and wellbeing influence behaviour and risk-taking?
- What role do alcohol and other drugs play in risky behaviour and injury?
- How can we develop interventions that support sustained behaviour change?
- How does ageing affect cognition, decision-making and driving safety?
Whether your interests lie in psychology, mental health, behaviour change, social psychology, neuropsychology or public health, the RSRC offers opportunities to apply your interests to research addressing important real-world problems.As a PhD candidate, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers and develop specialist expertise while investigating questions that have relevance to improving road safety in Queensland and beyond.
Applications close
25 November 2026 11:25pm
To complete an application you will need to create an account and login to the HDR scholarships portal.
Position summary
The MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration (RSRC) is seeking applications from prospective PhD candidates interested in undertaking research across a range of disciplines, including psychology, criminology, neuropsychology, public health and behaviour change. Successful applicants will be based at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Sippy Downs campus and will receive a PhD scholarship providing an annual living stipend of $38,760 indexed annually on 1 January.
Eligibility and Ideal Candidate
Ideal candidate
- A minimum of Second Class Honours, Division A (IIA), in psychology, public health or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience and/or publications that demonstrate research capability.
- A strong interest in undertaking research relevant to road safety, particularly in areas such as psychology, mental health, behaviour change, social psychology, neuropsychology or public health.
- Motivation, initiative and a commitment to undertaking independent doctoral research.
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Eligiblity
- Be accepted into a Doctor of Philosophy program at the University of the Sunshine Coast
- A domestic candidate
Inclusions
The full-time candidature period is 3 years, with the possibility of a 6-month extension. Coverage for the domestic HDR student includes:
- Stipend - $38,760 (AUD) per annum, paid fortnightly and is tax-free for full-time students.
- Tuition fees - Full coverage, with a value of $31 200 per annum.
- Relocation allowance - Up to $2,000 to relocate to a UniSC campus
All inclusions are in accordance with UniSC RTP Research scholarship conditions
Contact
Kerry Armstrong
Email: [email protected]