About the Group/Element: The Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering (GCORE) 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 GCORE team is a large cross-disciplinary team comprised of engineers, clinicians, biomedical scientists, industrial designers, and research leaders. Our approach is to work collaboratively, but with a keen focus on research excellence, productivity, and industry engagement.
The opportunity: For many individuals, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with a hamstring autograft results in significant deficits in knee flexor strength and function persisting long after successful rehabilitation and return to sport. The primary aim of this randomised, double-blinded, two-arm controlled trial is to investigate whether ACLR using a semitendinosus autograft augmented by autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) is more effective than standard ACLR in terms of restoring isometric knee flexion strength. The secondary aims of this trial are to evaluate between-group differences in three-dimensional structural morphology of the hamstring muscle complex, biomechanical and electromyography strategies used during functional tasks, and patient-reported outcomes. If an ACP injection to donor sites limits or prevents post-ACLR musculotendon unit morbidity, it may provide evidence to support ACP injections in hamstring graft ACLR. Improved healing of the donor site following ACLR may enhance knee joint function and may also protect the knee from potential long-term structural degeneration.
About you: A successful candidate is expected to hold a bachelor’s degree with first-class honours or second-class honours (Division A) or a master’s degree. These degrees should incorporate a significant research component in either sport science, sports medicine, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, biomechanics, or related degrees. Essential skills include strong knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, interest in sports medicine, orthopaedics, and biomechanics. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills will make the candidate well suited to conduct of a clinical trial.
About the scholarship: The 2021 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $28,597 (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.
What we offer: 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).
Further information
For project related enquiries please contact:
Dr David John Saxby
Phone: (07) 5552 8917
Email: d.saxby@griffith.edu.au
Affiliation: Griffith Centre for Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering (GCORE)
Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University
Clinical Sciences 1 (G02)
Gold Coast Campus, Southport
QLD, Australia, 4215
For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Phone: (07) 3735 3817
Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au
Closing Date
Closing date: October, 2021.
How to submit an expression of interest: Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted as set out below:
Interested applicants should submit an expression of interest (EOI) to ‘XXX contact’ containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Evidence that you have completed a Bachelor Degree with Class 1 Honours or will be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Policy
- A brief CV
- Research proposal
- Two references
Disclaimer: Please note that the University reserves the right to appoint by invitation and to leave positions vacant. 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 the respective University. Prospective candidates are strongly advised to review the University application process. 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.