PhD Scholarship Opportunity - Food Policy

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 What we do to read more about how we are addressing the world's biggest health problems.

A PhD scholarship is now available for a suitably qualified individual to undertake research studies related to novel food retail interventions and nutrition science to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, to be completed at UNSW Sydney.

The primary focus of the PhD project will be to work on a large randomized controlled trial at The George Institute for Global Health, funded by the Medical Research Future Fund. The aim of the trial is to investigate the effectiveness of an online grocery shopping tool to aid hypertensive patients reduce their salt intake and blood pressure. The PhD student will be under the academic supervision of Associate Professor Jason Wu, and will work closely with the study team on all aspects of the trial 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 delivering salt reduction interventions that will be relevant for hundreds of thousands of Australians.

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. There will also be opportunities to collaborate with other nutrition and public health researchers in Australia and globally. 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 an Australian citizen or permanent resident
2. Hold a Masters degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Biostatistics, or other related field, or have equivalent experience

Terms of award:

The scholarship is for a full-time student, for a period of up to 3 years, although successful candidates will be encouraged and provided support to apply for external competitive peer reviewed funding.

The scholarship stipend will be $30,000 per annum.

Applications:

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.

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

Our big and bold mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide needs a diverse and innovative team to deliver it. So we foster a dynamic, inclusive and flexible workplace where each individual can bring their best selves to work.

Everyone is encouraged to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, LGBTIQ people and mature-aged adults.