STEM PhD Program

Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol43 Issue53 22–26 January 2018

Dear ColleaguesThe STEM PhD Program is a joint venture of the Group of Eight (Go8) universities and Westpac, established last year, which offers PhD students with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics fields part-time employment with the Westpac Group during their studies. I need your assistance in identifying and encouraging suitable candidates to participate in this program. Unlike last year where candidates were shortlisted before they could complete the online application form, this time candidates apply directly to Westpac. I would hope though that ANU would still field a reasonable number of candidates and that encouragement, mentorship and support will be available for any interested students from within your local areas. Applications for the 2018 program will open 1 February 2018 (and close 22 February). Can you circulate this opportunity amongst your students as soon as possible? Westpac have supplied an information pack and a brochure (which are attached) which can also be circulated, and other key information is below.

Lastly, given the change in application process, it will be useful if ANU had a sense of how much interest there is in the program. I would appreciate records of any interest shown in your areas once the opportunity has been circulated (these can be sent to ODHDR@anu.edu.au).

Eligibility

PhD students who wish to apply will need to have:

• confirmed candidature in 2018 for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a STEM discipline;
• written confirmation from ANU that they will be able to be a part-time employee of Westpac Group at three days per week concurrent with their Ph.D. candidature (a letter from their PhD Supervisor);
• Australian or New Zealand citizenship (or have permanent residence status);
• Availability to work in Sydney for 3 days/week in a part-time position.

Applications

Open 1 February 2018. Candidates can apply online via the Westpac Group Careers Page, where they will be required to provide:

• CV
• Abstract from their Honours Thesis, Masters Thesis or equivalent (this should be attached in the same section as their CV)
• Short summary (200 words or less) of their proposed PhD research
• Written approval from their PhD Supervisor to participate in the program and work at Westpac for three days per week, concurrent with PhD candidature.

Candidates can express their interest or find out more by emailing: STEMPhDProgram@westpac.com.au.

 Program summary:

Successful applicants will receive an offer of employment as follows:

• Four year fixed-term employment contract at Westpac Group
• Employment is 0.6 Full Time Equivalent in Sydney
• Full time equivalent salary of $100,000 p.a. plus superannuation and benefits. For a three day part-time position, this equates to an annual base salary of $60,000 p.a.
• Employment commencement date: June 2018
• Employment end date: June 2022
• Program participants will complete two, 24 month rotations in two different Westpac Group Business Units, with the second rotation starting in June 2020.

Please contact Peter Francis (ODHDR@anu.edu.au)  if you have any questions.

Best

Imelda,

Professor Imelda Whelehan

Dean, Higher Degree Research