PhD Scholarship: Understanding and addressing anti-government and sovereign citizen extremism in Australia

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to undertake research on anti-government and sovereign citizen extremism in Australia, which is a growing national security concern. The primary focus of the PhD project is to develop new knowledge about the drivers of these forms of extremism and to work with the research team and industry partners to evaluate interventions that might mitigate the risk of violence against public officials.

This project includes the possibility of working with a mix of survey, observation, interviews, and/or social media data. Success in this role requires collaboration with the supervisory team and industry partners associated with the project. This PhD project is embedded within a broader research project on anti-government extremism funded by the Office of National Intelligence Discovery Grant Scheme.  It is expected that  the preferred applicant will be available to commence in early 2027. This position will be based at either the Brisbane South (Nathan) or Gold Coast campus. As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations. Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

The research will be undertaken within the School of Criminology & Criminal Justice at Griffith University.  Griffith University was recently ranked #1 in Australia for its research on peace, justice and strong institutions and #2 in the world for Impact (2026 Times Higher Education Impact Ratings).  You will work specifically within Griffith University’s School of Criminology & Criminal Justice community, the largest in Australia, and widely considered Australia’s #1 criminology research program. 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.

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 to demonstrate strong analytical skills, have demonstrated experience using the research methods described above, and be able to work independently as part of a research team. You must be able to communicate research findings clearly in writing and in presentations, and engage critically with current literature on procedural justice as well as radicalisation and extremism. You will have evidence of a passion for extremism-related research and have a strong desire to undertake research on anti-government and Sovereign citizen forms of extremism.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic applicants only.  As the project has been funded by the Office of National Intelligence applicants are required to be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or New Zealand special category Visa holders. Note that proof of your status must be provided and approved by the Office of National Intelligence before an offer of scholarship is made.
• Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with honours equivalent to first-class honours or second-class honours (Division A), or a Master’s 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 Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Policy.
• a record of research, or a qualification granted by a professional or other body deemed by the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School, to be of a comparable standard.  For further information please refer to the Equivalent Qualifications for HDR Program Admission web page.

Please note:

• Applicants with a background in psychology, criminology, political science or a cognate discipline are being sought, with additional experience working in the national intelligence or policing field being a distinct advantage.

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.

The successful applicant will also be awarded a scholarship top-up of $20,000 per annum for three years from the Office of National Intelligence funded project. The total annual stipend for 3 years will be $55,656. The candidate will also be eligible to access a further $4,500 from the School of Criminology & Criminal Justice to support their research, to undertake relevant professional development, or to attend conferences to present their research.

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 Professor Kristina Murphy ([email protected]), containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship and why you are interested in joining the research project.
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section (e.g., academic transcript), with a brief discussion of the research component of this program.
• A curriculum vitae (CV)  with your contact details using the Griffith CV template.
• Names and contact details of two referees  who can comment about your suitability to undertake study at a PhD level.
• Evidence of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or New Zealand special category Visa holder.

The closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday the 16th of October 2026

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

For project related enquiries please contact:
Professor Kristina Murphy (Tina)
Email:  [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: [email protected]