PhD Scholarship Opportunity - Developing the Next Generation of Evidence-Based Rheumatology Researchers

Job No.: 701008

Location: 509 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at current value of $41,400 AUD per annum 2027 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions at: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/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.

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, Dr Samuel Whittle and Professor Denise O’Connor 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:

• Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency. This scholarship is not open to international applicants.
• 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

Expressions of interest are invited from eligible candidates.

Interested applicants should email Grace O'Donohue (grace.odonohue@monash.edu) with the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (CV) – outlining academic qualifications, research experience, relevant employment and any publications.
• Academic transcripts – copies of transcripts for relevant undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
• Research experience – a brief summary of previous research projects, including an honours or master's research project (where applicable), research methods used and any publications or other research outputs.
• Statement of interest – a brief statement (maximum 500 words) outlining your research interests, motivation for undertaking a PhD and how your background and experience align with this opportunity.
• Monash Graduate Research Pre-Application Eligibility Check – confirmation of completion or the outcome, if already available.

Expressions of interest will be reviewed by the supervisory team, with shortlisted candidates contacted regarding the next steps in the selection and formal application process.

Please note that submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee an invitation to apply or an offer of admission or scholarship.

Closing Date: Monday 7 December 2026, 11:55pm AEDT