PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Food and Nutrition Research

The George Institute is 700+ people around the world, all focused on improving the health of millions of people worldwide. As a medical research institute affiliated with leading universities and with projects in approximately 50 countries, we are challenging the status quo in healthcare to:

• Find better treatments for the world's biggest health problems
• Transform primary health care to support better health for more people
• Harness the power of communities, governments and markets to improve health

Our innovative commercial enterprises help maximise our impact. Please visit our website to read more about how we are addressing the world's biggest health problems.

A PhD scholarship is available for a suitably qualified individual to undertake research studies related to novel ‘Food is medicine’ programs that link the provision of healthy foods into the healthcare system to help patients with non-communicable diseases better manage their conditions. The PhD will be completed at UNSW Sydney.

In addition to helping to understand the prevalence and extent of food insecurity in specific clinical and other populations, the primary focus of the PhD project will be to work on a clinical trial examining the feasibility of a medically-tailored meals program to improve the health and nutrition of people with food insecurity and chronic diseases. The PhD student will work closely with the lead investigators of the study on all aspects of the study from design, participant recruitment, intervention delivery, follow-up, and outcome assessments. The research will involve significant quantitative and qualitative elements.  This research will provide evidence for a novel-approach to improving diet-related noncommunicable diseases, particularly for vulnerable communities facing food insecurity in Australia.

In addition, the student will have the opportunity to participate in other research initiatives as part of the broader Food Policy team at The George Institute for Global Health, such as studies related to monitoring and improving the Australian food supply. The student will gain valuable training and have opportunity to interact with a diverse research team with expertise in nutrition science, food policy, epidemiology, clinical trials, and population-based modelling.

Eligibility:

Applicants should:

1. Be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
2. Have a Masters degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Biostatistics, or other related fields or equivalent experiences.

Candidates are recommended to highlight in their application

1. Prior research experience.
2. Evidence of scientific writing skills
3. Experiences working on or managing clinical trials
4. Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods
5. Ability to work as part of a team
6. Other applicable indicators of excellence

Terms of award:

These scholarships are for full-time students for a period of up to 3 years, although successful candidates will be encouraged, and will be provided support, to apply for external competitive peer reviewed funding.  The scholarship stipend will be $30,000 per annum.

Application Guide

Applications should include a cover letter, current CV, copy of academic transcripts, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and the names and contact details of at least two referees.

Closing Date

Saturday 2nd October 2021