PhD Opportunity: Injury Prevention Amongst Migrants in Australia

Company description:

The George Institute for Global Health was established in 1999 with a mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide, particularly underserved populations, by challenging the status quo and using innovative approaches to prevent and treat the world's biggest killers: non-communicable diseases and injury.

With offices in Australia, China, India and the UK, we have over 1000 people with >400 projects in over 60 countries. We focus on the global health challenges that cause the greatest loss of life, the greatest impairment of life quality and the substantial economic burden, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

Job description:

PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Injury Prevention Amongst Migrants in Australia

The George Institute for Global Health | Injury Research Division | UNSW Sydney

We have an exciting Scholarship opportunity for a full-time PhD candidate to undertake research exploring the intersections of injury and migration in Australia. Injury is a leading cause of preventable death and disability, yet the burden of injury among migrant communities, and the factors that shape it, remain poorly understood. This program of research will work in partnership with migrant communities to identify patterns and priorities for injury prevention, and to generate evidence that can inform culturally responsive policy and practice.

This research may involve a range of methods, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The research is likely to combine work directly with communities to understand lived experience, risk perception, barriers to prevention, outcomes post-injury, alongside community-identified priorities, with analysis of available data to characterise patterns of injury, identify modifiable risk factors, to ultimately inform prevention, policy and practice.

We are open to the specific focus, questions and methods being shaped by the successful candidate's interests, skills and disciplinary background, and the candidate will have scope to help define the direction of the project within this broad area.

Supervision team

Primary: Associate Professor Jagnoor Jagnoor, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney

Joint Primary: Dr Ryan Essex, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney

Who are we looking for?

Candidates must have a strong interest in injury prevention, health systems, migration and health equity. They will be enthusiastic, well-organised, and have excellent oral and written communication skills, as evidenced by previous publications in peer-reviewed journals. An ability to work autonomously and to be self-directed in learning, as well as to contribute to team activities and discussions, is necessary for the successful completion of this thesis. Professional experience in injury prevention, public health, or work with migrant or culturally and linguistically diverse communities would be an advantage. Prior mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative), data linkage, and experience publishing will be well regarded.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a relevant first or second-class Honours degree or Masters degree with a substantial research component and/or be able to demonstrate equivalent research experience.

Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents are eligible to apply.

Award Amount

We will preference candidates with a strong likelihood of securing a Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship. The successful candidate will be supported to apply for a UNSW main round scholarship.

Where a candidate does not secure an RTP or other full scholarship, an internal living allowance stipend of $39,991 per annum (2026 rate, plus indexation) will be provided for the duration of the PhD (up to 3.5 years).

Application Guide

Applications should include a cover letter, current CV, copy of academic transcripts, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and the names and contact details of at least two referees.

Candidates are recommended to highlight in their cover letter:

• Evidence of meeting the eligibility criteria - please see the Admission Requirements section of the Medicine (The George Institute for Global Health) UNSW handbook
• Relevant professional experience
• Evidence of scientific writing skills
• Evidence of prior mixed methods research experience
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Other applicable indicators of excellence

Applications should include:-

• Cover letter
• Current CV
• Copy of Academic Transcripts
• Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
• Details of at least two references with contact phone number and email address

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Suitable candidates will be shortlisted immediately.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. This opportunity will close on Friday 14th August however we reserve the right to close this ad early should we find a suitable candidate.