This scholarship opportunity provides the successful Master or Doctoral candidate with a unique opportunity to explore individualised breathlessness management approaches for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to receive world-class training and development in a multidisciplinary research team, led by Professor David Currow, high-impact international leader in the research field of symptom management in chronic and progressive conditions.
The successful candidate will undertake a project that expands on novel work conducted by the research team which, to date, has conducted the largest studies globally exploring genetic variations in relation to the response of chronic breathlessness to morphine. We have identified promising genetic predictors relative to morphine receptors and metabolism, and neuro-chemical pathways for benefits and harms. With genetic information, this project will aim to identify the sub-group of people who are most likely to derive dramatic net benefit from the introduction of this therapy and those who, predictably, will not benefit from this therapy.
This project will also explore some of the longer-term effects of reducing chronic breathlessness on a person’s physiological functions: sleep, daily activity, morning cortisol levels, and whether more normal levels of sex hormones in men and women will be a result.
The scholar will gain skills in clinical trial design, the conduct of specialised clinical assessments in participants with respiratory disease, provision of patient education and counselling, data entry, statistics, writing and presentation skills. There is also scope to gain laboratory skills if this is of interest to the successful candidate. Our team has a strong track record of making a difference to patient outcomes, policy, and practice through the completion of impactful studies. If you are looking to take your career to the next level, do not miss this opportunity.
Faculty: Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Study area: Environmental & Biological Science, Health, Medical Science, Nursing, Psychology & Human Behaviour, Social Sciences & Advocacy
Student type: Domestic students
Student status: Current student, Future Students
Scholarship amount
2024 stipend: $34,000* non-taxable * Stipends are indexed annually.
Duration
Three and a half (3.5) years full-time for Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) candidates and two (2) years for or Master of Philosophy.
Eligibility requirements
Students commencing a Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) or Master of Philosophy.
- Opportunity for articulation of Master of Philosophy to Doctoral degree is considered.
- The applicant will need to be a qualified nurse, physiotherapist, pharmacist, physician, biomedical scientist, or geneticist (or professional equivalent).
Application closing date
Sunday 30 June 2024
Contact information
Dr Vanessa Brunelli