Stroke Implementation PhD Research Scholarship

UTS offers an innovative and stimulating scientific environment underpinned by the UTS Research Strategy. The UTS Research Strategy 2016–20 details an ambitious plan to support the University’s growing national and international reputation as a leading teaching and research institution. The University’s overall strategic goal is to increase the intensity, excellence, impact, and reputation of its research.

To support the University’s research direction in Health, the Graduate School of Health (GSH) is offering this scholarship in the discipline of Speech Pathology. Associate Professor Emma Power, a member of the speech pathology team at UTS, and associate investigator within the NHMRC CRE in Aphasia Rehabilitation and Recovery, will be the primary supervisor for a new doctoral candidate to investigate “The acceptability, feasibility and potential effectiveness of an online, aphasia post-stroke best practice platform: Facilitating the translation of evidence into health policy and practice”.

Aim and supervisory team: The candidate undertaking this research will explore whether our online evidence-based practice resource (www.aphasiapathway.com.au) can be enhanced through a co-design process, to support implementation of the resource for health professionals working with people with aphasia. The research will involve a mixed-methods methodology with a structured program progression of studies. 

The candidate will be supported by researchers experienced in stroke rehabilitation and implementation research including, Associate Processor Emma Power (The University of Technology Sydney, NSW), Dr Kirstine Shrubsole (Southern Cross University, QLD) and Professor Miranda Rose (La Trobe University, Victoria). The applicant will also benefit from the integrated allied health technology-focused environment of the GSH/UTS along with interdisciplinary connections with the NHMRC CRE Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation.  

Who can apply? The research project is suitable for eligible applicants (see below) who wish to pursue research in the areas of communication disability, stroke rehabilitation, implementation science, and health-related co-design. We welcome applicants from a variety of health profession disciplines (e.g., speech pathology, psychology, occupational therapy, etc) well as those with any prior experience in stroke, implementation science, and digital health co-design. 

The applicant will be supported with a mix of research methods teaching and researcher development modules provided throughout the PhD program. PhD candidates are also supported to attend professional development in research with colleagues in the School and to present their work regularly.

Scholarship Value

• The full-time stipend rate associated with the scholarships is $27,082.00 per annum tax exempt. The total value of the scholarship is AU$81,246 over three years. It is available to suitable domestic and international applicants.

• Tuition fees for domestic (Australian citizen or permanent visa holder) applicants are automatically covered by the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset (Domestic). A successful international applicant may be offered a UTS International Tuition Fee Waiver.

• Please note that this scholarship is governed by RTPS Conditions of Award. The successful candidate must commence in either Autumn or Spring 2020 intake.
• In addition to the scholarship, the Graduate School of Health also provides approximately $1,500 per annum to directly support the research related activities (conference travel, training, copy editing, participant recruitment, etc.).

Essential requirements

To be considered for the PhD, applicants must have:

• a completed a Masters (at least two years) with a major research component (a thesis component of approximately 50 per cent of the degree and 20,000 words) at distinction level, unless the following exemption applies

• PhD applicants may be exempt from having to demonstrate either (a) a completed Masters with a major research component if they can also demonstrate:
  • equivalence through having completed a research-intensive undergraduate degree (e.g., with a substantive honours research project), or,
  • capacity to undertake independent research through prior research engagement (e.g., as a research assistant with responsibilities in the conduct of research with publication in peer reviewed journals).
• PhD applicants must also demonstrate their interest in the area of research and their strong quantitative, analytical, and writing skills.

Contact

To discuss your eligibility for entry into the PhD program in Speech Pathology, and prior to preparing your application materials, please contact Professor Bronwyn Hemsley so that you can discuss your eligibility and the development of the application.

Name: Associate Professor Emma Power
Email:  emma.power@uts.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 9514 7348

Expression of Interest

To be considered for this opportunity, please register your Expression of Interest (EOI) directly by submitting an application through the UTS’s website:

Express interest

You will be required to submit a full application which includes all of the information listed in the table below and any other information as listed on the website, as well as satisfy entry requirements

• A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for undertaking a PhD, what you hope to achieve from your research, and your research experience to date.
• Academic curriculum vitae.
• Official academic transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate), including master’s thesis results (if applicable).
• Any evidence of writing for research output (e.g., peer reviewed publications) demonstrating your capacity to undertake independent research (if applicable)
• Proof of English proficiency (if not having completed a minimum of 5 years study in Australia).
• Written references to include contact details for suitable academic referees (two required).
• Evidence of prizes, scholarships, and awards (certificates, statements of award).

To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants are expected to have a record of excellent academic performance and, preferably, additional relevant research experience and/or peer-reviewed research activity, awards and/or prizes.

Deadline

Expressions of interest are due by 09 December 2019. Contact Emma Power if you have any queries or require additional time to complete the EOI process.