Jeff Coombes

PhD opportunity at The University of Queensland in exercise physiology , cardiometabolic disease , and liver disease . The project is titled Exercise in the management of liver fibro-inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and is linked to an NHMRC Investigator Grant. The research will examine how exercise affects liver fibro-inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes who also have MASLD, and how exercise can be maintained long term to support sustained health benefits. The candidate will join the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences and the Centre for Research on Exercise Physical Activity and Health (CRExPAH) , with access to strong research support and facilities including DXA, pQCT, exercise testing and training facilities, and MRI at the Centre of Advanced Imaging. Supervision is by Associate Professor Shelley Keating and Associate Professor Jeff Coombes . The school is ranked 1st in Australia and 2nd in the world for sports-related subjects. The scholarship is a fully funded fellowship support scheme scholarship with a tax-free living stipend of AUD 37,500 per year (2026 rate, indexed annually) and tuition fees covered . This opportunity is for a domestic Australian candidate only . Competitive selection considers academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history. A background in clinical exercise physiology is beneficial, and knowledge of liver disease and/or type 2 diabetes is highly desirable. To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the PhD program. You do not need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. In the EOI, indicate that you are applying for an advertised project, use Fellowship project scholarship as the project, and enter scholarship code LIVER-KEATING . The project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 1, 2027 , and EOIs must be submitted by the relevant research quarter closing date.