Understanding attraction, recruitment and retention in the mental health workforce

About the research project

The mental health workforce faces ongoing challenges relating to workforce attraction, recruitment, retention, workforce wellbeing, and sustainability. These challenges occur within the context of increasing service demand, workforce shortages, and ongoing mental health reform activity across Australia. There is growing recognition that strengthening the mental health workforce, including the peer workforce, is critical to improving service accessibility, quality, continuity, and outcomes for consumers, families, and communities. 

This research project is associated with collaborative work between the Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation (TCMHSI), the Tasmanian Department of Health, and mental health workforce stakeholders. The project aims to explore factors related to attraction, recruitment, retention, job satisfaction, workforce wellbeing and peer workforce development within the public mental health workforce. Findings will contribute to workforce planning, policy development, service improvement, and future workforce development initiatives. 

The program of research may include several embedded studies which could be carried out individually or in combination, depending on the interests and methodological strengths of the candidate. Potential studies include: Literature reviews, a mental health workforce survey, and mixed methods research examining workforce capability development needs. 

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Michelle Kilpatrick

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College. A relevant first class Honours degree, Masters by Research, or substantial evidence of research experience including publication of academic manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals are essential requirements.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• A relevant first class Honours degree, Masters by Research, or substantial evidence of research experience including publication of academic manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Applicants with backgrounds in public health, psychology, health services research, epidemiology, mental health, sociology, nursing, allied health, implementation science, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to communicate at a high level with a diverse range of stakeholders from non-government organisations, government bodies, and the community.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. 
• Experience publishing academic manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. 
• Experience working with government and non-government stakeholders.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Michelle Kilpatrick to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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