Regional Research Collaboration

Opportunities for PhD study in genomics, behaviour change and digital health for chronic disease prevention and management

Federation University, in association with the University of Melbourne and health industry partners, is seeking multiple high quality PhD candidates to study full-time within its Chronic Diseases Management research program.

The candidates will be awarded generous scholarships and support and work with a high-quality team of researchers to study how to better prevent, manage and treat chronic diseases in Australian and international communities. Chronic diseases are a major burden in such communities and especially in rural and regional communities.

The scholarships are awarded for three years with the possibility of extension for a further six months. An attractive tax-free stipend of $41,285 per annum will be provided with an additional support package to the value of $4,000 per annum for each student.

The scholarships are available for a diverse range of disciplines and interests including genomics, behaviour change, digital health platforms and health systems/economics. The thrust of the work is explained in a manifesto publication available from us written by our team and senior international researchers. We also have a project information sheet that describes this program.  Our work involves the identification of people with chronic diseases and those at risk of developing chronic disease risks using standard clinical screening tests and genomic testing; training of clinicians to deliver effective behaviour change programs to modify risks; supported by a digital health platform to effectively and efficiently manage their risks and health problems.

This is an outstanding opportunity for motivated candidates in genomics, behaviour change and digital health to work on a program of research with a multi-disciplinary team of world-renowned senior researchers and junior colleagues. There are five senior professors involved with the program including Professor Shane Thomas, Professor Colette Bowning, Professor Fadi Charchar, Professor Britt Klein and Professor Louise Burrell supported by a strong team of Research Fellows including Dr Priscilla Prestes, Dr Amanda Young, Dr Huy Nguyen, and others. The program also has strong connections with international clinical research leaders in the UK and USA and other locations. The program will provide significant opportunity for high impact publications and opportunity to work with health care agencies involved in chronic disease prevention and management programs.

This program is supported by Federation University and a grant from the Commonwealth of Australia.

For Further Information

For further details on the research projects, please contact:

Prof Colette Browning on c.browning@federation.edu.au or Prof Fadi Charchar on f.charchar@federation.edu.au

Scholarship details

Stipend Scholarship: $41,285 per annum living allowance, tax free

Fees: Up to $32,000 per annum covered by a Research Training Program Fee-Offset Scholarships (domestic students) or International Tuition Fee Scholarship (International student)

Project support: $4000 per annum

Total package: $216,255 over three years

Applications close: Thursday 31st August 2023