Phd Scholarship - Improving Transitional Care For Frail Older Adults

We are seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) from individuals interested in pursuing a PhD in Public Health and Behavioural Science with the Health Behaviour Research Collaborative (HBRC). The HBRC conducts innovative behavioural research across four key themes : reducing health risk behaviours, improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable groups, reducing chronic disease morbidity, and reducing the evidence-practice gap in health care delivery. HBRC offers high-quality PhD training to develop the next generation of health behaviour scientists.

• PhD Opportunity

Hospitalised frail older adults face a high risk of hospital readmission and reduced quality of life post-discharge due to complex care needs and poor care coordination. The proposed PhD program will sit within a larger project evaluating a Coordinated Transitional Care (CTC) program aimed at improving outcomes for frail older adults transitioning from hospital to home. Possible focus areas include :

• examining quality of life and unmet needs among this population;
• a pilot study examining the feasibility and acceptability of the CTC program; and
• exploring the accuracy of self-reported health and aged care service use compared to Australian government data.
• Scholarship type

The PhD stipend will be funded by the Australian Government Research Training Program Strategic Engagement Scheme, which includes an internship component. For more information see Industry Engaged Pathway / Industry and community / Research / Study / The University of Newcastle, Australia. The scholarship includes a 3.5 year stipend ($36,000 per annum) and tuition fees.

• Further support and professional development

The student will have access to statistical, administrative and IT support. Students will be eligible for affiliation with the Hunter Medical Research Institute Equity in Health and Wellbeing Research Program, which provides small grants and professional development opportunities for its members.

• Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements :

1) Meet the eligibility criteria for admission to a Higher Degree by Research degree at the University of Newcastle (see Higher Degree by Research Policy / Document / UON Policy Library / The University of Newcastle, Australia).

3) Have a supervisor who is one of the University of Newcastle's academic staff.

• Selection criteria

This position is suited to applicants with a background in health behaviour, epidemiology, sociology, psychology, general practice, nursing, or allied health.

• Essential selection criteria

a) Excellent organisational, time management, written and verbal communication skills.

b) Basic knowledge of quantitative research methods or willingness to develop these skills.

c) A high degree of self-motivation.

d) Ability to flexibly adapt to changes in plan and deal with periods of uncertainty.

• Desirable selection criteria

Experience in the care of older adults or in transitional care programs.

• Supervision

Students are expected to enrol on a full-time basis.

• Thesis by publication
• Other paid employment

Full-time scholars may not undertake paid employment of more than eight hours per week during weekdays, 9 : 00am to 5 : 00pm. Additional employment outside of these hours is permitted.

• Location

The student will have shared desk space at the Hunter Medical Research Institute and is expected to spend at least 50% of their time in the office.

• Start date
• Application procedure
• A copy of your CV, including your GPA and any publications.
• A one page document explaining how you fulfil the eligibility and selection criteria.
• Evidence of any qualifications relevant to meeting the eligibility criteria.
• Evidence of meeting English language proficiency (e.g. English language tests).
• Contact
• Job Types
• Full-time, Graduate

Schedule :

• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location : In person

Application Deadline : 07 / 03 / 2025

Expected Start Date : 01 / 07 / 2025