AREST CF 2015 PhD Top-up Scholarships

AREST CF

Background and Purpose of this Award

The AREST CF team is a collaboration of specialist paediatric cystic fibrosis centres in Perth and Melbourne. Our team consists of over 60 doctors, researchers, scientists, research management and students dedicated to the improvement of respiratory health and outcomes in children with cystic fibrosis.

We run a unique program aimed specifically at children under the age of seven years called The Early Surveillance Program. The program focuses on the assessment, treatment and prevention of cystic fibrosis lung disease in young children. By preventing lung disease early in life we believe that individuals with cystic fibrosis will live longer fulfilling lives.

The AREST CF team is funded through a NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence with project funding from NHMRC, NIH and the USA CF Foundation. We have a unique opportunity for exceptional individuals wishing to undertake PhD study with the AREST CF team in either the Perth or Melbourne centres. These awards will take the form of 'top-up' stipends for PhD programs commencing in 2015. The awards will accompany scholarships won by the recipients through partner Universities in a separate application process. The stipend will be $10,000 per year, paid in conjunction with their main scholarship for the duration of that scholarship.

We have a range of potential projects available, including

Lung physiology and structure (Perth and/or Melbourne)

Mucosal and innate immunology (Perth and/or Melbourne)

Metagenomics and bacterial pathogenesis (Perth and/or Melbourne)

Computational biology and/or bioinformatics (Perth)

Psychosocial and behavioural psychology (Perth and/or Melbourne )

Biostatistics and epidemiology (Perth)

Eligibility Criteria

Applied for full-time enrolment in a PhD at the relevant University

Conduct the research principally within the AREST CF team under the primary supervision of one or more of the lead researchers; and

Have achieved First Class Honours (or equivalent); and

Applied for and be awarded an Australian Postgraduate Award or equivalent such as a NHMRC Dora Lush award for commencement in 2015

Selection Process

This Award is supplementary to a scholarship awarded to the student through the enrolling University. Applications will be ranked on merit by the AREST CF team and the decision of this panel is final. The Awards are not transferable to another institution. The panel will take into consideration applicant’s academic record and other indicators of research potential or achievement as identified in the curriculum vitae. To assist the ranking process, the panel may liaise with the supervisor or independent referees. Recipients of the awards will be asked to provide an annual report on their research outcomes and make a short annual presentation of their work. Awards will be offered by the end of December 2014.

Selection Criteria and Application Process

In the first instance any interested persons are encouraged to email operations@arestcf.org
indicating their field(s) of interest. We can then direct any prospective applicant to an appropriate research supervisor. Further to this discussion you will be required to submit the following:

1. A one page introductory letter including:

Your contact details; and
A statement addressing the eligibility criteria for this award; and
A 100 word summary of your Honours project (or equivalent); and
The name of your enrolling university and school; and
Preferred area of your proposed PhD; and
The contact details of 2 independent referees (not PhD supervisors).

2. A copy of the PhD enrolment and APA scholarship application which has been submitted to the University. (Please note that you must apply separately for scholarship support. Students should email kathy.vial@telethonkids.org.au to provide verification that they have received an APA or equivalent ASAP).

3. A copy of your tertiary studies final academic record, First Class Honours (or equivalent).

4. A copy of your curriculum vitae (max 2 pages).

5. A short statement from your main AREST CF supervisor stating they have discussed the student project with you and support your application for this award. This can be in the form of an email from the supervisor.

Applications are due Friday 31st October by 12 noon to:
Kathy Vial, Manager Learning and Development
Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
Email: kathy.vial@telethonkids.org.au
Telephone: 08 9489 7799