PhD Scholarship Opportunity - Developing the Next Generation of Evidence-Based Rheumatology Researchers
Job No: 698225
Location: Monash University School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine (509 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne)
Employment Type: Full time
Duration: 3 years
Supervisors: The successful applicant will be supervised by internationally recognised leaders in evidence-based medicine, guideline methodology and rheumatology, including Professor Rachelle Buchbinder and Dr Samuel Whittle, supported by an experienced multidisciplinary research team.
Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at current value of $41,100 AUD per annum at the 2027 full-time rate, indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions at www.monash.edu/graduate-research/study/scholarships/fees-scholarships/scholarship-policy-and-procedures.
Join a world-leading research team developing the future of evidence-based rheumatology.
Applications are invited for a fully supported PhD scholarship at Monash University to undertake innovative research in the development, implementation and evaluation of living clinical practice guidelines in rheumatology. Based within the Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal (ANZMUSC) Clinical Trials Network, this project offers the opportunity to contribute to internationally recognised research that directly informs clinical care for people with rheumatic diseases.
About the Project
Living guidelines represent a transformative approach to evidence synthesis and clinical guideline development. By combining continuous evidence surveillance with state-of-the-art systematic review methods, GRADE methodology and digital guideline platforms, living guidelines ensure that clinical recommendations remain current as new evidence emerges.
ANZMUSC has been a global leader in this field, developing the world’s first living guidelines for inflammatory arthritis. The successful candidate will contribute to the ongoing development and evaluation of these internationally recognised guidelines while undertaking original research suitable for a PhD.
Research Focus
The successful candidate will undertake research that could include:
· Development and evaluation of living evidence synthesis methods
· Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
· Translation of research evidence into clinical practice recommendations
· Application of GRADE methodology and Evidence-to-Decision frameworks
· Use and evaluation of digital guideline platforms (MAGICapp)
· Implementation science and knowledge translation in rheumatology
· Investigation of innovative approaches to maintaining high-quality, evidence-based clinical guidelines
· Evaluating the impact of guideline recommendations on clinical practice in patient care
The exact research questions will be developed in consultation with the supervisory team and tailored to the successful candidate’s interests.
Training Opportunities
This PhD provides comprehensive training in:
· Systematic review and meta-analysis
· Evidence synthesis and critical appraisal
· GRADE guideline development methodology
· Living evidence methods
· Clinical epidemiology
· Scientific writing and publication
· Research presentation and stakeholder engagement
· Collaboration with multidisciplinary and consumer-inclusive research teams
The candidate will work alongside an experienced evidence synthesis team, guideline developers, clinicians, statisticians, librarians and consumer representatives.
Supervision
The successful applicant will be supervised by internationally recognised leaders in evidence-based medicine, guideline methodology and rheumatology, including Professor Rachelle Buchbinder and Dr Samuel Whittle, supported by an experienced multidisciplinary research team.
Research Environment
As part of ANZMUSC, the successful candidate will join Australia’s leading collaborative musculoskeletal clinical research network, working alongside more than 400 researchers, clinicians, consumers and policymakers across Australia and New Zealand. The successful candidate will become part of an internationally respected research program at the forefront of living evidence and guideline methodology.
During the PhD, the successful candidate will have opportunities to:
· Publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
· Participate in National and international collaborations
· Deliver conference presentations
· Participate in world-leading methodological research
· Develop skills applicable to careers in academia, clinical research and evidence-based healthcare
Flexible working arrangements are available, with many aspects of the research able to be undertaken remotely, making this an excellent opportunity for candidates based in metropolitan, regional or rural locations.
Eligibility
Applicants should have:
· Eligibility to enrol in a PhD at Monash University
· 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
· Strong analytical and communication skills
· 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
Interested applicants should contact Grace O’Donohue (grace.odohonohue@monash.edu) for further information regarding the project, scholarship details and application process.
Application Close Date: Sunday 04/10/2026 11:55pm AEST
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