Flinders University PhD Scholarship Opportunity 2025

This project will be in collaboration with Forensic Science South Australia and Victoria Police Forensic Services Department and will focus on design and optimisation of shedder tests for use in criminal investigations and the collection of the shedder distribution population data. This project is in support by an ARC Linkage Grant.

Project Background

Approximately half of the DNA samples currently submitted for forensic DNA analysis in Australia are termed trace or touch samples. In 2020 over 62% of all DNA samples processed at Forensic Science SA were trace DNA. Touch DNA is where the biological material is deemed to have been deposited from a person’s skin, often their hands, when contacting an object. The individual differences in the amounts deposited during a touch are a consequence of the ‘shedder’ phenomenon. When a person holds a knife, drives a vehicle, wears clothing or accessories, or carries an object, their DNA can be left behind. Touch DNA is now routinely collected from timing devices in terror activity, weapons used in assaults and homicides, clothing collected from sex offences, surfaces touched during break-ins, etc. 

• Table of Content
• About Flinders University
• PhD Scholarship Opportunity
• Aim and Benefits of PhD Scholarship Opportunity
• Requirements for PhD Scholarship Opportunity Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Flinders University

Flinders University is a public university in Adelaide, South Australia. Founded in 1966, it was named in honour of navigator Matthew Flinders, who explored and surveyed the South Australian coastline in the early 19th century. Flinders is a verdant university[citation needed] and a member of the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) Group and ranks in the 10-16 bracket in Australia and 36th in the world of those established less than 50 years. Academically, the university pioneered a cross-disciplinary approach to education, and its faculties of medicine and the humanities are ranked amon... continue reading

PhD Scholarship Opportunity

Aim and Benefits of PhD Scholarship Opportunity

This PhD Scholarship offers:

1. $34 000 per annum tax free, for up to 3.5 years (full-time).
2. Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision.
3. A supportive environment to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area.
4. The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges.
5. Funded opportunity to travel to international conferences to present research findings 
6. A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career.

Requirements for PhD Scholarship Opportunity Qualification

To be eligible for a PhD Scholarship you will need:

• To be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have, or are eligible to apply for, a relevant international visa; and
• Meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A, a Master Degree, or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the industry partner, up to maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship.  In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the industry partner and the University, this time may be extended to 6 months; and
• Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the industry partner/research project (e.g .have or be able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check).

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• Honours/Masters degree in any science field 
• Interest in working with an industry partner.
• Demonstrated professional writing skills

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• Complete the attached Higher Degree by Research Scholarship Application Form, send your application with supporting documentation to Dr Mariya Goray via: [email protected]
• Applications close:  12 of February (unless filled prior to the closing date)
• To find out more about this exciting scholarship opportunity, contact Dr Mariya Goray via: [email protected]
• Please note that successful scholarship applicants must also apply for, and be admitted to, a HDR candidature at Flinders University to receive the scholarship. 

The scholarship applications may close earlier than advertised if a successful awardee is selected. The start date of the project will be decided in consultation with the project lead, with expectation that the successful awardee will commence as soon as practicable.

For more details, visit Flinders University scholarship website.