Flinders University
6 days ago
PhD Scholarship
PhD Scholarship in Circadian Light Sensitivity and PTSD Vulnerability Flinders University in Australia
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Psychology
Funding
Yearly stipend of $35,010.00 (2026 rate), tax free, for three years. Eligible Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, or Australian permanent residents receive an RTP Fee Offset covering tuition fees for up to three years. Includes a 3-month industry placement.
Country
Australia
University
Flinders University
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About this position
PhD scholarship opportunity at Flinders University, based in the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI): Sleep Health in Adelaide, Australia.
The project is titled “Circadian light sensitivity as a mechanism for PTSD vulnerability” and is supported by a Wellcome-funded Mental Health Award (2024). The research examines how light exposure at night, circadian rhythms, sleep disturbance, and sleep reactivity may contribute to PTSD vulnerability after potentially traumatic events. The PhD will include deep circadian phenotyping, participant-based laboratory work, DLMO assessments, pupillometry, sleep studies, and mental health measures, plus a 3-month industry placement.
Primary supervision is by Dr Hailey Meaklim, with associate supervisors Dr Malisa Burge and Prof Sean Cain. Applicants may be able to refine the project to fit their research interests after discussing with the principal supervisor.
Funding includes a tax-free stipend of $35,010 per year for three years. Eligible Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, or Australian permanent residents also receive an RTP Fee Offset covering tuition fees for up to three years.
Eligibility highlights: Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency; PhD admission eligibility; Honours Class 1 or 2A or equivalent AQF Level 8 qualification with research component, or equivalent research experience; full-time enrolment; commencement during 2027 (ideally Semester 1); and candidature accepted in the proposed area. Preferred backgrounds include psychology, physiology, clinical sciences, biomedical sciences, or related health fields, especially with sleep/circadian research experience.
To apply, first email Dr Hailey Meaklim with your CV and a covering letter explaining your qualifications, experience, research background, and motivation. If shortlisted, you will be invited to an online interview and asked to provide two referees. If you have not already applied for HDR admission, submit a separate admission application through Flinders University’s research degree application process.
Funding details
Yearly stipend of $35,010.00 (2026 rate), tax free, for three years. Eligible Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, or Australian permanent residents receive an RTP Fee Offset covering tuition fees for up to three years. Includes a 3-month industry placement.
What's required
Applicants must be Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, or hold Australian permanent residency. They must meet PhD admission requirements, including an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent AQF Level 8 qualification with a research component of at least 6 months full-time study achieving Distinction (75%), or equivalent research experience such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or competitive grant involvement. Candidates must enrol full-time, be available to commence at Flinders University during 2027 (ideally Semester 1), and have candidature accepted in the proposed area. Desirable backgrounds include Psychology, Physiology, other health fields, clinical sciences, biomedical sciences, or related areas, with experience in sleep and/or circadian rhythm research and strong verbal communication and organisational skills.
How to apply
Contact the principal supervisor, Dr Hailey Meaklim, by email before applying to discuss interest and eligibility. Send your CV and a covering letter outlining qualifications, experience, research experience, and reasons for applying. If shortlisted, attend an online interview and provide two referees, including one academic. If you have not already applied for HDR admission, submit a separate admission application using the Flinders research degree instructions.
More information can be found here
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