Monash University Graduate Research Stipend

This PhD stipend scholarship at Monash University’s School of Primary and Allied Health Care offers an outstanding opportunity for talented candidates to undertake research in hospital-associated functional decline and deconditioning in older adults. The position is based at the Peninsula campus and forms part of the NHMRC-funded 'Smart Ward PREDICT' project, situated within the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre. The project leverages data from the National Centre for Healthy Ageing Smart Ward and Healthy Ageing Data Platform, focusing on the loss of independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) during hospitalisation and its significant impacts, including increased risk of re-admission, premature entry to residential aged care, and mortality.

The research aims to build the evidence base for hospital-associated functional decline and deconditioning, improving preventive efforts before, during, and after hospitalisation. Specific research questions include evaluating published interventions, identifying prevalence, risk factors, economic costs, and consequences, and exploring the predictive value of movement patterns detected by sensor technologies in hospitalised older adults.

The successful candidate will be supported by a multidisciplinary project team with expertise in ageing, healthcare, biostatistics, and digital health. The main supervisor is Associate Professor Christina Ekegren, whose academic profile can be found at Monash University. Additional supervisors will be confirmed. The position offers a PhD annual stipend of $37,145 per annum (2026 rate) for 3.5 years, indexed annually. Further support includes the School of Primary and Allied Health Care HDR Support Fund (up to $4,000) and the Monash Graduate Research Travel Grant. The project is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Applicants must meet Monash University PhD entry requirements, including citizenship or permanent residency, a four-year bachelor’s degree with research thesis/project and First Class Honours Division A, or a master’s degree with research thesis/project (minimum 25% of one year full-time study) and First Class Honours Division A, or equivalent qualifications/experience. Preferred candidates will have a background in epidemiology/biostatistics and a relevant clinical discipline such as nursing, medicine, or allied health, and be available to commence full-time in Q4 2026.

The application process involves two stages: first, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Dr Michelle Shannon, including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and referee contact details. Successful candidates will then be invited to submit a full PhD candidature application. The deadline for applications is Sunday, 28 June 2026, 11:55pm AEST. For further information, refer to the Monash jobs website and the supervisor’s academic profile.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in clinical research, ageing, rehabilitation, and public health, with strong support for professional development and collaborative research activities.