Project: Making Indigenous-friendly businesses Chief Investigator (CI)

Professor Boyd Hunter (boyd.hunter@anu.edu.au)

Centre for Social Research and Methods (CSRM),

The Australian National University (ANU), Canberra

Project description

The ANU is looking for two PhD candidates to commit to work on an exciting project, ‘Making Indigenous-friendly businesses’ with leading researchers in Indigenous business and economic and social policy. The idea is to build on the good track record of Indigenous business in employing Indigenous workers to identify best practice. The first PhD candidate would identify what makes Indigenous businesses good employers of Indigenous workers, the second PhD candidate would analyse the extent to which non-Indigenous businesses can adopt the best practice in employing Indigenous workers to improve Indigenous employment. The first candidate could conduct a series of interviews with Indigenous businesses, their Indigenous employees and their communities to identify best practice, while the second candidate could collect survey data from a number of businesses and their employees in order to conduct an econometric analysis of the scope to improve workplace environment to make it more Indigenous friendly. Both PhD candidates will be given the opportunity to work with leading Indigenous scholars in the field who are an integral part of the research team: Professor Dennis Foley (University of Canberra) and Dr Kerry Bodle (Griffith University). One of the key stakeholder is National Indigenous Australians Agency, but the research team anticipates working with other key Indigenous organisations, including: IBA, Supply Nation and Indigenous chambers of commerce in relevant states where businesses are based.

ANU seek expressions of interest. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. They will be selected on the basis of their strength of academic performance, and capacity/experience in working with Indigenous communities.

Preferred educational background

H2A Honours or equivalent in social science or economic/business disciplines.

About the scholarship

The ANU scholarship offers a indexed living allowance, valued at $28,092 per annum in 2020 dollars, for up to three years with the possibility of a six-month extension. The successful applicants will be able to complete a PhD in social science or a related field. The PhD candidate is responsible for making and original contribution to the field and should explore some of the research questions raised in the project description. The scholarship will be competitively awarded, available during the relevant research period only, and cannot be deferred or transferred to another area of research.

How to submit your expression of interest (EOI)

A statement addressing your suitability for the project and scholarship and a brief CV should be provided. The preferred applicants will be invited to submit a full application on-line.

Closing date: EOIs should be submitted to Boyd.Hunter@anu.edu.au by 5:00 pm (AESST) on Monday 30 November 2020.