About the position
Call for Expressions of Interest
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student
Bond University, Business School
Position title: PhD in Business (Economics)
The Bond Business School is calling for expressions of interest from Business graduates wishing to complete a PhD in the field of Economics. The Impact of Political Corruption on Infrastructure Maintenance Spending in Developing Countries.
This PhD research project investigates the relationship between political corruption and the allocation of government funds towards infrastructure maintenance in developing countries. The study hypothesizes that corrupt officials may prioritize new infrastructure projects over maintenance to benefit from kickbacks, distorting public works budgets. Using a multi-country panel data approach, the research will examine whether countries with higher levels of political corruption allocate fewer resources to maintaining existing infrastructure. The findings will contribute to understanding how corruption affects long-term infrastructure sustainability and development.
The successful applicant’s doctoral thesis will be supervised by Professor Kuldeep Kumar – Principal Supervisor, Dr Neil Campbell – Associate Supervisor.
About the person
Essential:
- A Business, or Commerce Master by Research or Bachelor of Commerce, Business with Honours
- Experience undertaking a substantial research project (e.g. Masters thesis or Honours thesis)
- Excellent data analysis and academic writing skills
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in teams
- Evidence of project management and organisational skills, including the ability to achieve goals and deliver outcomes within a specified time period.
Desirable:
- Publication in a peer-reviewed journal
- Experience with tutoring business students
Capacity to assist with seeking external funding with support from supervisors
Salary details
Candidates will receive high quality, personalised supervision and access to the full range of facilities available to Bond University students, successful applicants will be entitled to the following benefits:
- Tuition fee waiver: The Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) scheme provides tuition fee waivers for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents enrolled in higher degree programs such as a PhD. The tuition waiver lasts the duration of the program.
- Option to apply for a scholarship*: The successful applicant will be encouraged to apply for the Living Stipend Scholarship at Bond University. The RTP also provides a limited number of scholarships for PhD students by way of a living stipend. Application is made through a competitive round held twice a year (closing 31 March and 30 September). The current full-time stipend rate for all HDR scholarship categories for 2025 is $33,511 AUD per annum.
- Employment opportunities: The successful applicant may also be provided with employment opportunities such as tutoring or research assistant work within the Bond Business School dependent upon prior experience. Employment will be subject to the conditions of the PhD program and the terms of any scholarship awarded.
Internship opportunities: The successful applicant may have the opportunity to partner with a business or organisation in our network to conduct research, gain valuable real-world experience and make an impact. PhD Industry Internships offer a unique opportunity to apply your research expertise to real-world challenges, collaborate with industry leaders, and build a pathway toward your future career.
The successful applicant will need to meet all Bond University requirements for entry into the PhD program and achieve the milestones required by the University throughout their doctoral program. It is also a requirement that the successful applicant be based full-time at the Gold Coast campus.
Additional information
Why study at Bond?
The Bond Business School (BBS) delivers a truly personalised educational experience to every student. BBS provides a unique learning environment. This setting tailors our industry-relevant learning experiences to the needs of each student, one by one. In addition, each student has unparalleled access to dedicated learning facilities, global industry connections, internationally diverse cohorts and world class academics. We demonstrate an outstanding student service ethic, offer an engaging and satisfying student experience, and prioritise student wellbeing. We engage in high quality, impactful research in niche areas of research excellence.
Our research groups include:
- Centre for Data Analytics
- Governance, Accountability and Purpose (GAP) Research Group
- Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise
Application and submission details
How to submit an expression of interest
Please submit your expression of interest via the Bond University application portal.
Your EOI must include:
- The number and title of the position you are applying for.
- A written statement (maximum of 2 pages) describing your interest in the research project and proposed research topic.
- A written statement (maximum of 2 pages) addressing the selection criteria set out above.
- A current curriculum vitae including the names of two academic referees.
- Your academic transcripts.
- An example of your written academic work (e.g. Honours thesis, peer-reviewed journal article, or academic research projects)
* If you are seeking to apply for a living stipend scholarship, please also separately apply for the Higher Degree Research scholarship. Please submit your applications by the 31st of March for round 1 or the 30th of September for round 2. The application link and scholarship selection criteria can be found at the bottom of the page on the following link: https://bond.edu.au/research/research-degrees/fees-and-scholarships.
For all enquiries related to this position, please contact the Bond Business School on bbsresearch@bond.edu.au.