This PhD scholarship forms part of a collaborative research program on digital transformation, data practices, and everyday life in Indonesia, jointly supervised by Dr. Verity Trott (Monash University, Australia), Dr. Arran Ridley and Dr. Dyah Pitaloka (Monash University, Indonesia).
The wider research program investigates how digital infrastructures and data-driven technologies shape work, creativity, care, and resilience across the Global South. It examines how people interpret, engage with, and sometimes resist data systems embedded in digital platforms, government services, and communication environments.
The PhD project will contribute to this broader agenda while allowing the successful applicant to develop an independent and original thesis. Possible directions include, but are not limited to:
- an ethnographic study of digital inclusion and exclusion in Indonesian cities
- analysis of how data infrastructures mediate creative or platform labour
- an investigation of community responses to Indonesia’s One Data (Satu Data) policy
- participatory mapping of local data practices among entrepreneurs, gig workers, or creative communities
The specific focus of the doctoral project is open to discussion and will be shaped in consultation with the supervisory team.
Undertaking this PhD within a larger program offers several significant advantages. The successful candidate will be integrated into an active research collaboration spanning Australia and Indonesia, with access to funding to support fieldwork, transcription, travel, and conference participation. The candidate will receive expert supervision from leading scholars in digital media, communication, design research, and Southeast Asian digital transformation, and will benefit from entering a project with an established structure and intellectual community. Additional opportunities include co-authored publications, participation in symposia and workshops, school-engagement activities, and involvement in future grant applications.
Monash University Indonesia is part of Monash’s global network of campuses and is the first overseas campus of an Australian university. The candidate will be based at the BSD Campus, with access to a dynamic research environment connected to Monash Australia and Monash Malaysia.
Candidate Requirements
The successful applicant will have an excellent academic track record in a relevant field such as media and communication, sociology, anthropology, human geography, digital humanities, design research, or related social sciences.
In its assessment, the selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honour’s or Master’s degree (both in a relevant field), with a significant research component and with first-class honours/H1 awarded.
Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Arts are available at arts.monash.edu/graduate-research/application-process.
Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply. Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.
The successful applicant will be expected to enrol by 31 March 2026. However, there may be some flexibility as to the date of commencement.
Enquiries
You are required to discuss your research proposal with Dr Arran Ridley, School of Arts, Email: arran.ridley@monash.edu before you submit an Expression of Interest.
Submit an Expression of Interest
EOIs shall comprise:
- A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability
- A brief research proposal not exceeding 750 words in length that fits within the broad project aims and objectives, and demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience
- A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
- English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
- Names and contact details of 2 academic referees
- Copy of your current passport (if available)
Once you have discussed your EOI with Dr Arran Ridley, please submit your Expression of Interest Form and indicate that you are applying for a "Special Scholarship Scheme –PhD Scholarship in Digital Transformation and Everyday Life in Indonesia."
Applications Close: Sunday 18 January 2026, 11:55 pm AEDT
