PhD Scholarship Co-designing and developing health promotion programs for neurological populations
You will work with an international team of collaborative researchers led by MS Australia Fellow Associate Professor Yvonne Learmonth on the Provider education in using strategies for exercise promotion in MS (PULSE) project.
We have shown that exercise improves physical fitness, walking mobility, cognition, fatigue and quality of life, depressive symptoms and pain. Yet there are countless lost opportunities for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to give persons with MS the knowledge, confidence, and mindset to include and sustain exercise behaviour in their lives. Integrating partnerships between persons with MS, HCPs and researchers by following implementation principles can analytically determine the acceptability, feasibility and likely sustainability of clinically relevant exercise promotion.
This PhD project will involve building skills in synthesising the evidence through literature reviews, coordinating and conducting stakeholder interviews and focus groups, assessing the feasibility of delivering evidence in clinical practice, and analysing small data sets.
Upon completion of your PhD, we consider the transferable skills and collaborations will make you ready for jobs in, for example, leadership in non-profit organisations, leadership in local or national government, further academic or professional research, health and clinical communication roles, or furthering your current or future clinical expertise.
You’ll join a collaborative team of enthusiastic researchers and experts in health behaviours from Canada, America and Australia led by A/Professors Yvonne Learmonth and Susan Slatyer. You will be based within the Health Futures Institute at Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia. Other collaborators include Associate Professor Claudia Marck at the University of Melbourne, with wider collaborations including researchers at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and the University of Saskatchewan.
Our research team and Murdoch University are committed to creating a friendly and diverse learning environment. We are proud to welcome equal opportunities for all students. All relevant and qualified applicants will receive scholarship consideration without regard to race, colour, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, or age. In keeping with the research project and our experience completing our PhDs, the research team particularly welcomes interest from participants who are collaborative critical thinkers with a passion for persevering towards their goals.Eligibility
Essential eligibility criteria include:
- A Honours or Masters degree with a thesis component in a relevant public health, medical, nursing or allied health field
- Demonstrated well-developed interpersonal skills to communicate with the interdisciplinary and collegial team and public and professional representatives.
- Demonstrated high levels of written and oral communication in English and can demonstrate flexibility in communicating ideas in person and using technology.
- Demonstrated interest in improving health outcomes and opportunities for vulnerable populations, particularly persons with disability or chronic health conditions.
- Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand. Residency criteria must be satisfied.
- The successful applicant must be able to commence no later than May 2025.
Desired criteria include
- Relevant knowledge and/or experience of the Australian healthcare system, health promotion, and/or health services research
- Well-developed skills in project management, organisation, record keeping.
- Experience with literature reviews, qualitative and/or quantitative research skills
- Experience in stakeholder engagement
How to Apply
Applicants should contact the principal supervisor Yvonne Learmonth directly with the three documents outlined below: a cover letter, resume, and academic transcripts, as well as two referees.
For more information about the project contact Yvonne Learmonth
For information about the application process contact the graduate research office at Murdoch University. graduateresearchdegrees@murdoch.edu.au
Required Documents
1. A cover letter addressing the eligibility criteria (max 2 pages)
2. A resume, including your:
1. Education and training.
2. Personal statement on why you are excited about this opportunity.
3. Ongoing and recently completed involvement in research projects (outlining your contributions), list of no more than five relevant research articles you have authored.
4. Position, appointment and honours.
5. Demonstrated examples of working in teams.
6. Two to four short points on your initial ideas on how healthcare providers can translate healthcare knowledge to patients associated with the description of the project (max 4 pages)
3. Academic Transcripts
4. Referees, provide contact details for two referees who can speak to your academic and research potential