The project will investigate the biomechanical and other clinical outcomes after nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. This will include use of 3D motion analysis (e.g. Qualisys and Visual3D) and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs)

As the successful PhD candidate you will work in collaboration with:

i) The team at Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group led by Dr Daevyd Rodda, also including:

• • Dr Joseph Coory
  • Dr Jane Grayson

ii) Researchers from UniSC’s Sports and Exercise Sciences discipline led by Dr Mark Sayers, also including:

• • Mr Daniel Mellifont
  • Dr Max Stuelcken
  • Dr Robert Buhmann
  • Dr Suzanne Broadbent

You will be the principal investigator working with participants (patients) with OA who undergo radio frequency ablation (RFA) of nerves at the knee. You will explore both movement analysis and patient reported outcomes to better understand what this procedure means for patient movement, function, pain and satisfaction.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

1) Highly motivated with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn

2) Well organised with excellent attention to detai

3) Ability to problem solve emerging challenges

4) Works effectively, both independently and collaboratively, as part of multidisciplinary clinical and research teams

5) Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills in establishing and maintaining good rapport with all project stakeholders including patients/participants, clinical and research teams, and professional and support staff

Value

Across your 3 year scholarship you will have access to:

• a team of experienced clinicians and researchers
• a living stipend of $34 449.95 per annum (as at 1^st Jan 2024)
• a full offset of tuition fees - PhD tuition fees contributed by UniSC
• up to 60 days paid medical leave
• up to 60 days paid maternity leave
• Just under $4,000 extra financial benefit to cover project related costs

Eligibility

1. Be accepted into a Higher Degrees by Research program at the University of the Sunshine Coast
2. Eligible to undertake domestic study in Australia (i.e. Australian citizens/permanent residents or New Zealand citizens)
3. Successful completion/award of first-class honours or Masters by research

Previous qualifications are required from the fields of biomechanics, clinical practice (e.g., Exercise Physiology, Sports Science, Physiotherapy, Medicine, Biomedical Science/Engineering) or other relevant quantitative discipline.

Highly desirable criteria include:

• Advanced Microsoft suite skills (particularly Excel and Word)
• Working experience with clinical and/or biomechanical data management and analysis
• Possession of strong academic and research skills

It will also be considered highly favourable if the candidate has experience with motion analysis systems and associated data processing and interpretation.

Selection criteria

Criterion 1: Academic Achievement

Criterion 2: Research Capability

Criterion 3: Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills

- Previous qualification/s from the fields of biomechanics, clinical practice (e.g., Exercise Physiology, Sports Science, Physiotherapy, Medicine, Biomedical Science/Engineering) or other relevant quantitative discipline.

- Advanced Microsoft suite skills (particularly Excel and Word)

- Working experience with clinical and/or biomechanical data management and analysis

- It will also be considered highly favourable if the candidate has experience with motion analysis systems and associated data processing and interpretation.

- Priority will be awarded to applicants likely to be awarded an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship.

- Works effectively, both independently and collaboratively, as part of multidisciplinary clinical and research teams

- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills in establishing and maintaining good rapport with all project stakeholders including patients/participants, clinical and research teams, and professional and support staff

Eligible programs

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

Number available

1

Application

This will be a two-stage application process:

Stage 1 - Expression of Interest: Reference code UniSC_RS_2309_SAYERS

Contact Person - Contact Person - Daniel Mellifont DMellifo@USC.EDU.AU 

• Download and complete the USC Research Scholarship (USCRS) application form.
• Email your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the contact person and attach:
  • USCRS application form
  • Cover letter
  • Current CV
• The scholarship panel will review the EOI. If shortlisted, you will be invited for interview.
• The preferred applicant will be invited to formally apply for HDR program and Scholarship.

Stage 2 - Formal application (only if you have been invited to apply)

• Read the important information on How to Apply for a HDR Program at UniSC.
• Submit your UniSCRS application form as a supporting document when submitting your HDR Program application.

*scholarship offer is subject to applicant meeting the eligibility requirements for entry into a higher degree by research program at UniSC.