PhD Student Call for Expressions of Interest PhD in Business (Management) Bond Business School

The Bond Business School is calling for expressions of interest from Business graduates wishing to complete a PhD in the field of Management with the following project title: Antecedents and Consequences of Ethical Approaches to Organisational and Team Leadership.

This research project forms part of a broader research agenda examining the antecedents and consequences of ethical leadership across diverse industrial sectors. The project aims to explore what makes a leader ethical and to investigate both the positive and negative outcomes of ethical leadership for leaders, followers, and organisations. In addition, it examines whether the consequences of ethical leadership differ between leaders and their followers. 

A key component of this research is a cross-sector comparison that analyses how ethical leadership operates across different organisational contexts, including project-based organisations, family businesses, banking, and the hospitality and tourism sectors. This project will advance theory and practice in leadership and organisational behaviour by generating new insights into the complexities of ethical leadership. It will also provide sector-specific practical implications for organisations seeking to promote ethical practices and effective leadership. 

The successful candidate will undertake rigorous qualitative and/or quantitative research, develop strong methodological expertise, and contribute to impactful academic publications. This opportunity is ideal for candidates with an interest in leadership, business ethics, and organisational studies, particularly those motivated to explore how ethical leadership shapes outcomes across different industries.

The successful applicant’s doctoral thesis will be supervised by Dr. Ahmad Siddiquei – Principal Supervisor,  Dr. Catharina Jecklin – Associate Supervisor, Dr. Chelsea Gill – Associate Supervisor, and Professor Amy Kenworthy – Associate Supervisor.

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:

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

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 2026 is $34,315 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.

Please submit your expression of interest via the Bond University application portal.

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)

For all enquiries related to this position, please contact the Bond Business School on ***********@bond.edu.au. 

Submission is due by Tuesday 1st September 2026