[Hiring] PhD Scholarship in Rural Healthcare and Intellectual Disability @The University of Notre Dame Australia

Role Description

The PhD Scholarship is based at the School of Medicine (Sydney campus) at the University of Notre Dame Australia. The applicant does not need to be on site.

• Research focus on equitable healthcare for older people with intellectual disability.
• Limited scope for the successful candidate to design their own research question, aligned with project goals.
• Project examines healthcare needs of rural people with intellectual disability as they grow older.
• Work within an established research group including experienced disability researchers, other PhD candidates, and disability support organisations.
• Oversight by a dedicated project manager for administrative support and day-to-day activities.
• Support for mixed method research component of MRFF-funded project exploring polypharmacy in older people with intellectual disability.
• Includes quantitative analysis of survey data and follow-up interviews with older adults and their carers across regional and rural Australia.
• Findings will inform the development and evaluation of a nurse-led intervention.
• Embedded within a co-designed, participatory research approach prioritising lived experience and community partnership.
• Standard duration of candidature is 3 years full-time; stipend will not be extended if candidature is approved for extension.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with Honours (First Class or Upper Second Class) or a Masters by Research in a relevant field of healthcare.
• Must be based in Sydney.

Requirements

• Preference to commence Semester 1, 2027.
• Deadline to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) is the 13th of November 2026.

Benefits

• Embark on an intellectual journey guided by expert academic supervisors.
• Opportunity to shape, refine, and execute a significant research project contributing original knowledge to the field.

Enquiries

Expressions of interest or enquiries related to the research topic should be directed to Dr. Giselle Gallego ([email protected]).

Please submit the following documents:

• Previous academic transcripts and certificates.
• Research proposal outlining study objectives.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• CV/Resume.
• Any additional supporting documents.