Mark Rickman

The University of Adelaide, in partnership with Austofix, a leading South Australian medical device manufacturer, is offering two PhD projects focused on Proximal Femoral Nailing for hip fracture patients. Austofix specializes in orthopaedic implants for trauma surgery, with a global reputation for research, design, manufacturing, and distribution of world-class devices. These PhD projects are embedded within a randomised control trial investigating clinical outcomes in hip fracture patients treated with either a static locked femoral nail or a dynamic femoral nail with a sliding lag screw. The research will assess clinical factors such as analgesic requirements and mobility (Time up and go), as well as radiological parameters. The overarching goal is to identify best clinical practices for this complex surgical challenge. The projects are divided into clinical and radiological/engineering streams, emphasizing strong collaboration between healthcare and engineering disciplines. The clinical project aims to develop tools for identifying and preventing chronic pain in hip fracture patients, while the radiological project focuses on creating novel tools to aid surgical fixation and predict complications and outcomes. Each PhD student is expected to develop innovative solutions and publish 3-4 research papers during their candidature. Successful candidates will be admitted to the PhD program at the University of Adelaide and receive a University of Adelaide Research Scholarship for 3.75 years, valued at $40,000 per annum, along with a tuition fee waiver. Supervision will be provided by research specialists from the University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, and Austofix, including Associate Professor Peter Smitham, Professor Dominic Thewlis, Adjunct Professor Mark Rickman, and Mark Wise. Students will co-locate at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, and Austofix’s Head Office in Thebarton, South Australia. The Orthopaedic Department at the Royal Adelaide Hospital is recognized as a leading institution in Australia, providing an excellent environment for research and clinical training. Students will be integrated into teams at the Centre of Orthopaedic & Trauma Research and Austofix, gaining access to professional development opportunities through the University’s Career and Research Skills Training program. Eligibility requires meeting the University of Adelaide’s PhD admission standards, including English language proficiency and a high-quality Honours or Masters degree in healthcare or engineering. Candidates must enroll as full-time PhD students and remain based in Adelaide for the duration of the award. Ideal applicants should have familiarity with healthcare or engineering/image-based analysis, interest in developing predictive tools for patient care, and strong interpersonal skills for collaborative research. To apply, email your CV, cover letter (max 2 pages), degree certificates, and academic transcripts to principal supervisor Peter Smitham with the subject line ‘Austofix Industry PhD application’. Applications close 31 October 2025, but may be withdrawn early if suitable candidates are identified. Enrolment is subject to a scholarship agreement for the relevant project. For further information, visit the scholarship page or contact the supervisors directly. This opportunity offers a unique blend of clinical and engineering research, industry collaboration, and generous funding for motivated candidates seeking to advance orthopaedic science and patient care.