PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Sex and Gender in Medicine - Innovating Medical Research through 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 scholarship is now available for a suitably qualified candidate to undertake a 3-year PhD degree, based at The George Institute for Global Health and University of New South Wales.

The persistent lack of sex and gender analysis across the medical research pipeline has serious consequences for the prevention, treatment, consequences and costs of disease for women and men. Australian universities, medical journals, professional health and medical research bodies often have no clear policies for including sex or gender dimensions in research, leaving Australia considerably behind other comparable health systems, such as those in Germany, Ireland, Canada and the US. The proposed project builds on our current research, aimed at producing significant innovation in Australian medical research by understanding and addressing sex and gender policy gaps in the Australian medical research system.

The successful candidate will have strong interest in health policy and research. Some knowledge of gender issues in health research would also be an advantage. They will be enthusiastic, well-organised and have excellent oral and written communication skills, as evidenced by publications, including in peer-reviewed journals. An ability to work autonomously and to be self-directive in learning, as well as contributing to team activities and discussions, will be necessary for the successful completion of this PhD. Experience in conducting scoping and systematic reviews, as well as project management and basic analytic skills, are desirable.

Supervisor(s)

Primary:

Professor Mark Woodward, Professor of Medical Statistics, The George Institute for Global Health

Dr Cheryl Carcel, Senior Research Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health

Secondary:

Scientia Professor Louise Chappell, Director, Australian Human Rights Institute, University of New South Wales

Professor Robyn Norton, Professor of Public Health, Principal Director, The George Institute for Global Health

Eligibility

Applicants should:

1. Be an Australian / New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
2. Hold an appropriate undergraduate degree in a related discipline (eg public health, health communication or health promotion), or a Masters degree.

(Professional experience in health policy and research, global health, or other related preventative health discipline would be an advantage.)

Award Amount

The scholarship stipend is $30,000 per annum per year for 3.5 year. Students will be supported to apply for competitive scholarship funding.

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.

Candidates are recommended to highlight in their application:

      1. Prior research experience.
      2. Evidence of scientific writing skills
      3. Experiences working on health policy and research
      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.