Be Remarkable

About Griffith University and ARCHE

At Griffith University we believe in, strive for and celebrate the remarkable.

We are known for our high impact research, outstanding student experience, our commitment to social justice and our welcoming environment. We rank in the top 2% of universities worldwide and we're proud of our remarkable achievements, of our people and their passion for making a positive difference. Together we contribute to the development of knowledge and learning in an attractive environment which values excellence, equity, diversity, and innovation.

The Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution (ARCHE) was founded in 2016 as part of Griffith University's strategic research initiative. ARCHE is part of the Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI) and is one of Australia's leading research centres in Archaeology and Human Evolution. ARCHE is the first academic centre specifically focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the scale of ancient human migrations and the full story of the origins of the people in our region.

The opportunity

Griffith University invites expressions of interest for a PhD scholarship in the field of archaeology. The candidate will work with Dr Jayne Wilkins on her Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Research Project “The environment and human origins in the Kalahari, South Africa”. The PhD project will involve a systematic survey program, mechanical testing, and geochemical methods to identify and characterise potential sources of stone and ochre raw material in the southern Kalahari Basin, South Africa. Ultimately, this new knowledge will be used to better interpret the Pleistocene archaeological record, and thus improve our understanding of Homo sapiens origins and evolution.

This position is based at the Nathan campus of Griffith University in Brisbane.

About you

The successful PhD candidate will have the opportunity for field- and laboratory-based research, and will be trained in advanced survey, excavation, and analytical methods.

• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours. This degree should incorporate a significant research thesis component in archaeology, anthropology, geology, or a related discipline.
• Applicants should have practical experience in the field and/or laboratory, and the capacity to work effectively as part of a research team, coordinating as well as participating in interdisciplinary research.
• Previous experience in research focused on lithic analysis, geochemistry, and/or African archaeology is advantageous.
• All applicants must be able to demonstrate a capacity to carry out independent research and have adequate training and ability to pursue the proposed course of study.

About the scholarship

The 2019 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $27,596 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see theGUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

What we offer

As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across five campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. Applicants from underrepresented groups within the discipline are encouraged to apply.

Further information

For project related enquiries please contact:

Dr Jayne Wilkins
Email: jayne.wilkins@griffith.edu.au
Homepage: www.drjaynewilkins.com   

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School
Phone: (07) 3735 3817
Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au     

Closing date and how to submit an expression of interest

Expressions of interest should be received by 5:00pm AEST Monday, 6 September 2019.

Interested applicants should submit an expression of interest to Dr Jayne Wilkins containing:

1. A statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship (1 page)
2. A brief CV (2-3 pages), with contact details for two professional references

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply online as part of the annual scholarship round:

The closing date for the annual scholarship round for International applicants is 17 September 2019. The closing date for Domestic applicants and Griffith University international graduates is 1 October 2019. Please see the Key Dates page for further information.

The preferred applicant will be invited to visit the Griffith University website and follow the process for applying for entry to the Griffith Higher Degree Research program, which includes a section for scholarship applications. When applying for entry, the preferred applicant should specify the ‘Lithic Raw Material Foraging and Human Origins’ under ‘Other’ as the scholarship they wish to be considered for as part of their application.