Rachelle Buchbinder
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PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Developing the Next Generation of Evidence-Based Rheumatology Researchers Monash University in Australia
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Epidemiology
Funding
Fully supported PhD scholarship with Research Living Allowance of AUD 41,400 per annum at the 2027 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed, plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions.
Deadline
Dec 7, 2026
Country
Australia
University
MONASH UNIVERSITY
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About this position
This PhD scholarship sits within Monash University’s evidence-based rheumatology research environment and the Australian and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network (ANZMUSC). The project focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of living clinical practice guidelines in rheumatology, an area that aims to keep recommendations current through continuous evidence surveillance, systematic reviewing, GRADE methodology, and digital guideline platforms.
The successful candidate will contribute to internationally recognised living guidelines, including work connected to inflammatory arthritis, and will undertake original research shaped in consultation with the supervisory team. Possible research directions include living evidence synthesis methods, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, translation of evidence into recommendations, use of Evidence-to-Decision frameworks, evaluation of digital guideline platforms such as MAGICapp, implementation science, knowledge translation, and assessing how guideline recommendations influence clinical practice and patient care.
The student will work alongside an experienced multidisciplinary team that includes evidence synthesis specialists, guideline developers, clinicians, statisticians, librarians, and consumer representatives. The broader research setting is collaborative and international in scope, with opportunities to publish, present at conferences, and engage in methodological research across a network of researchers, clinicians, consumers, and policymakers.
Supervision is provided by Professor Rachelle Buchbinder, Dr Samuel Whittle, and Professor Denise O’Connor. The post is based at Monash University in Melbourne, with flexible arrangements allowing many parts of the research to be undertaken remotely.
Funding details
Fully supported PhD scholarship with Research Living Allowance of AUD 41,400 per annum at the 2027 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed, plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions.
What's required
Applicants must be Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, or Australian permanent residents, as the scholarship is not open to international applicants. Candidates must be eligible to enrol in a PhD at Monash University and hold a medical degree or honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant health or biomedical discipline. An interest in evidence-based medicine, rheumatology, epidemiology, or clinical research is required. Strong analytical and communication skills are expected, along with a commitment to improving healthcare through high-quality research. Previous experience in systematic reviews or guideline development is desirable but not essential.
How to apply
Email Grace O'Donohue with a CV, academic transcripts, a summary of research experience, a statement of interest, and the Monash Graduate Research Pre-Application Eligibility Check. Expressions of interest will be reviewed by the supervisory team, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted about the next steps.
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Professors
Professor at Monash University
Australia
Research Interests
Health Economics
Epidemiology
Musculoskeletal Medicine
Anti-inflammatory Research
Musculoskeletal Pain
Professor at Monash University
Australia
Research Interests
Epidemiology
Statistics
Evidence-based Medicine
Digital Health
Salud Pública
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the provider.