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PhD research scholarship
Gold Coast Orthopaedic Research and Education Alliance (GCORE), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
The Gold Coast Orthopaedic Research and Education Alliance (GCORE), formally known as the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, is situated within the Menzies Health Institute Queensland at Griffith University. The main research areas of GCORE are neuromusculoskeletal engineering and orthopaedics, with focus on the development and use of disruptive technologies to enable personalised management of chronic and acute health conditions. We are looking for qualified and motivated individuals for PhD scholarship positions.
The research project
The purpose of this project is to compare musculotendon outcomes following standard and novel anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Specifically, we plan to examine regeneration and knee function 1-year following quadrupled semitendinosis ACLR and ACLR combined with Arthrex’ Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) injection into the graft donor site (called ACLR+). Previous studies have found donor hamstring muscles experience substantial morbidity following ACLR. Specifically, semitendinosus and gracilis musculotendon units experience limited tendon regeneration, retraction of the muscle belly and generalized atrophy. Furthermore, the knee evidences strength deficits and impairments to function. We aim to establish that hamstrings ACLR+ is a superior therapy compared to standard hamstrings ACLR. Our objective is to test this proposition using a retrospectively controlled trial whereby we examine musculotendon outcomes and knee function between the affected and unaffected limbs at 1-year following surgery in different two groups (i.e., ACLR and ACLR+).
PhD candidate profile
A successful candidate is expected to hold a bachelor’s degree with first-class honors or second-class honors (Division A) or a master’s degree. These degrees should incorporate a significant research component in either of human movement science or kinesiology, physiotherapy, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, or related degrees. Essential skills include competency with seated dynamometry and basic knowledge of signal processing. Desirable skills include a foundation in MATLAB (or Python and C++), experience with ultrasound imaging (i.e., structural or elastorgraphic) of muscletedon units, and experience with processing medical imaging (i.e., magnetic resonance imaging).
PhD scholarship
If successful in securing either an Australian or Griffith funded scholarship, the award will provide living allowances and tuition fees for international students for 3-3.5 years. Similarly, there are scholarships and awards available to domestic students. Please note we are willing to consider applications from individuals who have secured research funding from sources other than the Australian government or Griffith University. However, the funding may not be sufficient to support a full 3-4 year PhD project, and as such externally funded PhDs will be scrutinized closely. More information regarding scholarships funded by Griffith University (see GUIPRS and GUPRS): https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith...h-scholarships.
Research setting and facilities
Situated on the beautiful Gold Coast Campus of Griffith University, our exceptional research facilities include:
· A state-of-the-art motion capture laboratory, which include the following equipment: 12-Camera Vicon MX systems, 4 AMTI force plates, 1 Bertec split belt instrumented treadmill, 16-channel Zero Wire EMG system, 16-channel wireless Noraxon EMG system, 16-channel wireless Noraxon IMU system, 1 Noraxon capacitive treadmill, and Medilogic pressure insoles.
· Imaging laboratories (pQCT, DEXA, 3D and acoustoelastography ultrasound systems).
· Motion capture and medical image processing software (Matlab, Mimics, OpenSim, Vicon Nexus, Noraxon MR3, CMISS)
· High-performance computer clusters.
· Cell and molecular biology laboratories with imaging and mechanical testing facilities.
We are a large research group, including senior professorial staff, post-doctoral research fellows, and PhD students. Our approach is to work collaboratively, but with a keen focus on research excellence.
Disclaimer
Please note that the University reserves the right to appoint by invitation and to leave positions vacant.
How to apply
If you are interested, please first send via email, to Dr David John Saxby (d.saxby@griffith.edu.au), Dr Claudio Pizzolato (c.pizzolato@griffith.edu.au), Dr Laura Diamond (l.diamond@griffith.edu.au), A/Prof Chris Vertullo (c.vertullo@griffith.edu.au), Prof Rod Barrett (r.barrett@griffith.edu.au), and Prof David Lloyd (david.lloyd@griffith.edu.au) the items listed below.
1) A brief (1-page maximum) covering letter, describing your background, interests, and why you would be a good candidate for the listed research project.
2) Your CV.
3) Academic transcripts (do not need to notarized versions).
4) Evidence of English language competency (e.g., IELTS, overall >=7, no band <6).
Applicants will be thoroughly evaluated for merit and suitability. Successful applicants will be notified promptly, after which they will be required to apply directly to Griffith University. Prospective candidates are strongly advised to review the Griffith University application process at https://www.griffith.edu.au/research-study#apply. Particular attention should be paid to the documentation required and the standards for excellence. International students are advised to review the requirements for Australian Visa applications.
Gold Coast Orthopaedic Research and Education Alliance (GCORE), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
The Gold Coast Orthopaedic Research and Education Alliance (GCORE), formally known as the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, is situated within the Menzies Health Institute Queensland at Griffith University. The main research areas of GCORE are neuromusculoskeletal engineering and orthopaedics, with focus on the development and use of disruptive technologies to enable personalised management of chronic and acute health conditions. We are looking for qualified and motivated individuals for PhD scholarship positions.
The research project
The purpose of this project is to compare musculotendon outcomes following standard and novel anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Specifically, we plan to examine regeneration and knee function 1-year following quadrupled semitendinosis ACLR and ACLR combined with Arthrex’ Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) injection into the graft donor site (called ACLR+). Previous studies have found donor hamstring muscles experience substantial morbidity following ACLR. Specifically, semitendinosus and gracilis musculotendon units experience limited tendon regeneration, retraction of the muscle belly and generalized atrophy. Furthermore, the knee evidences strength deficits and impairments to function. We aim to establish that hamstrings ACLR+ is a superior therapy compared to standard hamstrings ACLR. Our objective is to test this proposition using a retrospectively controlled trial whereby we examine musculotendon outcomes and knee function between the affected and unaffected limbs at 1-year following surgery in different two groups (i.e., ACLR and ACLR+).
PhD candidate profile
A successful candidate is expected to hold a bachelor’s degree with first-class honors or second-class honors (Division A) or a master’s degree. These degrees should incorporate a significant research component in either of human movement science or kinesiology, physiotherapy, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, or related degrees. Essential skills include competency with seated dynamometry and basic knowledge of signal processing. Desirable skills include a foundation in MATLAB (or Python and C++), experience with ultrasound imaging (i.e., structural or elastorgraphic) of muscletedon units, and experience with processing medical imaging (i.e., magnetic resonance imaging).
PhD scholarship
If successful in securing either an Australian or Griffith funded scholarship, the award will provide living allowances and tuition fees for international students for 3-3.5 years. Similarly, there are scholarships and awards available to domestic students. Please note we are willing to consider applications from individuals who have secured research funding from sources other than the Australian government or Griffith University. However, the funding may not be sufficient to support a full 3-4 year PhD project, and as such externally funded PhDs will be scrutinized closely. More information regarding scholarships funded by Griffith University (see GUIPRS and GUPRS): https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith...h-scholarships.
Research setting and facilities
Situated on the beautiful Gold Coast Campus of Griffith University, our exceptional research facilities include:
· A state-of-the-art motion capture laboratory, which include the following equipment: 12-Camera Vicon MX systems, 4 AMTI force plates, 1 Bertec split belt instrumented treadmill, 16-channel Zero Wire EMG system, 16-channel wireless Noraxon EMG system, 16-channel wireless Noraxon IMU system, 1 Noraxon capacitive treadmill, and Medilogic pressure insoles.
· Imaging laboratories (pQCT, DEXA, 3D and acoustoelastography ultrasound systems).
· Motion capture and medical image processing software (Matlab, Mimics, OpenSim, Vicon Nexus, Noraxon MR3, CMISS)
· High-performance computer clusters.
· Cell and molecular biology laboratories with imaging and mechanical testing facilities.
We are a large research group, including senior professorial staff, post-doctoral research fellows, and PhD students. Our approach is to work collaboratively, but with a keen focus on research excellence.
Disclaimer
Please note that the University reserves the right to appoint by invitation and to leave positions vacant.
How to apply
If you are interested, please first send via email, to Dr David John Saxby (d.saxby@griffith.edu.au), Dr Claudio Pizzolato (c.pizzolato@griffith.edu.au), Dr Laura Diamond (l.diamond@griffith.edu.au), A/Prof Chris Vertullo (c.vertullo@griffith.edu.au), Prof Rod Barrett (r.barrett@griffith.edu.au), and Prof David Lloyd (david.lloyd@griffith.edu.au) the items listed below.
1) A brief (1-page maximum) covering letter, describing your background, interests, and why you would be a good candidate for the listed research project.
2) Your CV.
3) Academic transcripts (do not need to notarized versions).
4) Evidence of English language competency (e.g., IELTS, overall >=7, no band <6).
Applicants will be thoroughly evaluated for merit and suitability. Successful applicants will be notified promptly, after which they will be required to apply directly to Griffith University. Prospective candidates are strongly advised to review the Griffith University application process at https://www.griffith.edu.au/research-study#apply. Particular attention should be paid to the documentation required and the standards for excellence. International students are advised to review the requirements for Australian Visa applications.