PhD Research Scholarship University of Technology Sydney, Australia (Fully Funded)

This fully funded three year PhD project aims to improve the sensitivity and efficiency of clinical assessment of both unilateral neglect and proprioception in people with this condition. To do this, we will first identify the type and extent of proprioceptive deficits present in people with unilateral neglect after stroke and examine how unilateral neglect affects upper limb function related to different proprioceptive deficits. We will also seek to understand the role of the posterior parietal lobe of the brain in this condition by using transcranial magnetic stimulation to induce a transient ‘virtual lesion’ to identify impaired aspects of proprioception.

The successful applicant will be in a unique position to benefit from the integrated allied health environment of the GSH, research across the University, and local health districts. The applicant will be supported with a mix of research methods teaching and researcher development modules provided throughout the PhD program.

The scholarship on offer is valued at AU$81,246 over three years. In addition, the School provides approximately AU$1500 per annum to support research related activities.

UTS’ Research Strategy

UTS offers an innovative and stimulating scientific environment underpinned by the UTS Research Strategy. The UTS Research Strategy 2016–20 details an ambitious plan to support the University’s growing national and international reputation as a leading teaching and research institution. The University’s overall strategic goal is to increase the intensity, excellence, impact, and reputation of its research.

UTS research performance continues to go from strength to strength as a direct consequence of the existing strategy and research investment. The University has the flexibility to explore and support emerging areas of research interest, and continues to grow and leverage those areas where it has been already recognised as having centres and researchers of national and international renown.

To support the University’s research direction in Health, the Graduate School of Health (GSH) is offering this scholarship in the discipline of Physiotherapy. It is suitable for applicants who wish to pursue further study in understanding interactions between proprioception and movement in stroke. The successful applicant will receive doctoral supervision from two senior researchers from the discipline of Physiotherapy within the GSH and may be supplemented by expertise outside of the School where applicable.

Scholarship value

The full-time stipend rate associated with the scholarships is $27,082.00 per annum tax exempt. The total value of the scholarship is AU$81,246 over three years. It is available to suitable domestic and international applicants.

Tuition fees for domestic (Australian citizen or permanent visa holder) applicants are automatically covered by the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset (Domestic). A successful international applicant may be offered a UTS International Tuition Fee Waiver.

Please note that this scholarship is governed by RTPS Conditions of Award. The successful candidate must commence in either Spring 2018 (preferably) or Autumn 2019 intake.

In addition to the scholarship, the Graduate School of Health also provides approximately $1,500 per annum to directly support the research related activities (conference travel, training, copy editing, participant recruitment,etc).

Essential requirements

• To be considered for the PhD, applicants must have:
  • completed an Australian honours degree; or
  • completed a Master of Philosophy (research); or
  • completed a Masters (at least two years) with a major research component (a thesis component of approximately 50 per cent of the degree and 20,000 words) at distinction level.
• PhD applicants must also demonstrate their interest in physiotherapy research and their strong quantitative, analytical, and writing skills reflected in research output (i.e., peer reviewed publications).
• PhD applicants may be exempt from having to demonstrate a completed Master of Philosophy or Masters with a major research component, if they can demonstrate equivalence via their research-intensive undergraduate degree and/or capacity to undertake independent research through publications in peer reviewed journals.

Contact

Mr. Eddy S Dharmadji
E: Eddy.Dharmadji@uts.edu.au
P: +61 2 9514 7403

Expression of Interest

To be considered for this opportunity, please register your Expression of Interest (EOI) directly by submitting an application through the UTS’s website using the following link.

Express interest

Deadline

Expressions of interest are due by 30 October 2019

Official website