PhD Scholarship in Economics and Data Science - Expression of Interest

The Department of Economics at Monash is placed among the top 50 groups in the world according to a range of widely recognised rankings and metrics (ARWU: 41, QS: 39, Tilburg: 16-42, RePEc: 38, USNews: 17). In the latest Australian research assessment, Monash received the top rating for economics in all categories.

Monash SoDa Labs exists to discover social science insights from alternative data. SoDa Labs couple a large appetite for rapidly emerging sources of new data with an empirical toolset that ranges from causal empirical methodologies to the latest data science and machine learning approaches.

We invite students who want to combine rigorous applied economic research with novel, alternative data tools such as spatial, remote sensing, text or image data. 

We offer excellent research facilities including a dedicated SoDa Hub, access to high performance compute infrastructure, PhD group supervision in a research lab environment, and a suite of exciting seminar series. Successful candidates will be enrolled in the Department of Economics PhD program and will be supervised by one or multiple members of Monash SoDa Labs.

Generous scholarships for outstanding candidates covering tuition fees and a living allowance are available with top-up scholarships for eligible applicants. Additional financial support is available through research and teaching assistance, along with opportunities for funded travel and study exchanges with partner institutions in Europe or USA.

We particularly encourage applications from First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodiverse people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.

Ideal candidate profile:

• A degree in economics, econometrics, data science, computer science or a relevant discipline with a research component and outstanding academic results.   
• Strong quantitative skills and a passion for data-driven research.
• Experience with statistical programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Stata)
• English language proficiency according to these guidelines

For full information on admission and scholarship eligibility please click here.

To express your interest:

International candidates: submit the following information to sodalabs@monash.edu by 15 January 2024 (for S2 2024 intake), and 15 June 2024 (for S1 2025 intake).

Australian citizens/permanent residents: submit the following information to sodalabs@monash.edu by 15 March 2024 (for S2 2024 intake), and 15 August 2024 (for S1 2025 intake).

You will be asked to include the following information:

• your CV
• a copy of your academic transcripts and details of grading scales
• evidence of English language proficiency according to these guidelines
• a 1-2 page cover letter outlining your research skills, experience, research topics of interest and why this PhD opportunity interests you.
• If applicable, please also include information on your cohort rank

If you have any questions, please contact: sodalabs@monash.edu