Working towards equitable prevention strategies for breast cancer-related lymphoedema
We are currently looking for a PhD candidate (expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants) to work on a funded program of research that aims to shift the paradigm from arresting progression to the prevention of breast cancer-related lymphoedema.
The primary focus of this exciting opportunity is to work on a project that spans physiotherapy, exercise science, epidemiology, clinical trial research, and implementation science. Success in this role requires collaboration with national and international stakeholders, including consumers, clinicians and industry partners.
Scholarship details
The PhD position sits within an exercise oncology and cancer survivorship research team, within the School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith Health. The position requires a qualified and motivated individual, committed to achieving research excellence cancer survivorship.
Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a painful, chronic, progressive, and incurable condition. One in 5 people develop lymphoedema following breast cancer and live with its significant, adverse physical, psychological, and economic-related burden. BCRL management aims to arrest progression, but access is restrictive, inequitable and costly. Preliminary evidence has identified exercise and compression as potential BCRL prevention therapies.
This project will evaluate the efficacy of current usual care plus potential BCRL prevention therapies versus usual care alone (multi-state, randomised controlled trial) for people diagnosed with breast cancer. It will also quantify the health impacts (such as pain, fatigue, infection, anxiety and depression, physical function, work ability, relationships, overall quality of life) of adding lymphoedema preventive strategies to usual care alone. Outcomes of this project are expected to improve standard breast cancer care.
The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. A successful candidate is expected to hold a bachelor’s degree with first-class honours or a master’s degree. These degrees should incorporate a significant research component within the fields of physiotherapy, exercise science, exercise oncology, kinesiology, epidemiology, or a related health degrees. Excellent communication skills are essential. Desirable skills include clinical experience with people with cancer, and statistical programming and analysis skills.
- Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
- Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
- A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
- A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
For project related enquiries please contact:
Dr Melanie Plinsinga
Phone: (07) 373 58082
Email: m.plinsinga@griffith.edu.au
For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to m.plinsinga@griffith.edu.au containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a copy of your academic transcript
- A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template
- Names of two referees
The closing date for expressions of interest is: 5pm Friday 29 November 2024
The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line
Get in touch
If you have a question, need some help with your scholarship application, or would like to make a donation, feel free to contact us.