This opportunity is based within the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and the Griffith Criminology Institute, one of the largest and most eminent criminology research communities in the world. Criminology at Griffith is at the forefront of cutting edge research across diverse areas, including policing and security, justice, law and society, corrections and sentencing, environmental criminology and crime analysis as well as developmental and life course criminology and violence. Research conducted within this community is considered ‘well above world standard’ as evidenced by the 2015 and 2018 Excellence in Research in Australia results in which Griffith obtained the highest rating of 5 in criminology.

This position is primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

The aim of this project is to develop more enhanced, effective, theoretically informed road policing procedures for combating both drug and alcohol-impaired driving, thus enhancing road safety. The project will incorporate emboldening, punishment avoidance and decay into the deterrence model to provide a more effective explanation of impaired driving behaviours. Given that traditional deterrence approaches do not appear as effective for young drivers, despite this group experiencing the highest rates of crashes, the PhD candidate will identify how deterrence theory, punishment avoidance and emboldening can inform our understanding of the differences in impaired driving between younger and older drivers. Success in this role requires collaboration with industry and other researchers as appropriate.

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able have a solid understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, have strong communication skills, be able to work in a team, be independent, resilient and possess excellent time management skills. You will have a passion for road safety and road policing, with a strong desire to undertake research in impaired driving.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with the Equivalent qualifications for HDR program admission. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Please note:

Desired: A background in criminology, psychology or associated disciplines.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

About the scholarship
The 2026 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $35,656 (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 the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across 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 values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

EOI Process
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to [email protected] containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• A sample of your written work
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Monday 13 April 2026 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line.

For project related enquiries please contact:
Associate Professor Lyndel Bates
Phone: (07) 3735 1429
Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Phone: (07) 3735 3817
Email: [email protected]