2 PhD Scholarship Opportunities - Silica Associated Lung Disease Research Project

Monash Centre for Occupational & Environmental Health
School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne

 

Scholarship Opportunity 1: Clinical progression and diagnosis of silicosis.

Scholarship Opportunity 2: Occupational, environmental and social determinates for the development of silicosis including extent of past exposure and control measures in place.


Two three year PhD scholarships are available at the School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University based in the Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (MonCOEH). The scholarships will be based at the Alfred Hospital site of the School on St Kilda Rd, but will also involve spending some time at Worksafe Victoria.


Recently there has been a resurgence of cases of the preventable occupational respiratory disease, silicosis, within the stonemason industry, mainly due to the use of artificial stone. WorkSafe Victoria is funding MonCOEH to undertake research into the assessment of silica associated lung disease and related conditions.  A screening registry and disease registry have been established in Victoria and will provide data for these PhD projects.  The PhD projects will be undertaken within a very experienced research team, with capability in respiratory medicine, occupational medicine, occupational hygiene, epidemiology and registry science.


The PhD projects will aim to address the lack of evidence regarding the burden of silicosis, patterns of exposure and other risk factors, and clinical management, including return to work. The findings of this research should inform approaches to this problem by relevant stakeholders, including WorkSafe Victoria, employers in affected industries and clinicians managing affected workers.  The research projects will generate new evidence to improve understanding of the effectiveness of currently recommended health screening methods, increase the state of knowledge about the extent of exposure and control methods, and estimate the prevalence of silica related respiratory disease and associated conditions amongst stonemasons and other silica exposed workers.  


WorkSafe Victoria will translate the evidence to help prevent this disease and support workers at risk, by updating information to employers on how to reduce silica exposure and prevent silicosis and advising on appropriate health screening requirements to detect silicosis.  WorkSafe Victoria will also use the evidence to consider the effectiveness of the current risk controls and requirements in the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations; and to assist in determining the supports required for affected industries.


We are now inviting applications from suitably qualified people interested in undertaking a PhD as part of this research project. The two PhD project opportunities will focus on:

i) Clinical progression and diagnosis of silicosis.  Annual stipend of $41,091 (clinical student) or $35,571 (non-clinical student) for 3 years; an additional $2,500 per annum for computer, conference travel.

ii) Occupational, environmental and social determinates for the development of silicosis including extent of past exposure and control measures in place.  Annual stipend of $35,571 (non clinical student); an additional $2,500 per annum for computer, conference travel.


This is a unique opportunity for someone with interests in lung disease and/or occupational health to be involved in primary data collection, analyses, and the dissemination of research results with various academic and relevant stakeholders, including WorkSafe Victoria. The successful candidates will also be supported to present research findings at relevant academic and non-academic conferences and to undertake additional research training relevant to their PhD objectives.


The successful candidates will have a clear research focus related to the research program, and a background in occupational health, occupational hygiene, respiratory disease, public health, epidemiology, medical, or other health science.  A strong academic record is expected with preferably a second degree, or minimum high 2nd class honours (H2A) bachelor degree in a relevant discipline.  Some research experience is essential.  Australian & New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents only may apply.

Applicants should submit i) a maximum 2 page summary of their previous relevant experience or background, and a statement about their research interests ii) a full CV; and iii) Academic transcripts.  

Applications should be submitted by to Emily Mulholland by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 12 midnight on Sunday 1st March 2020. For further information regarding the project, applicants are invited to contact Professor Malcolm Sim by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 03 9903 0582