PhD Scholarship Towards Precision Offloading for the Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

We are seeking an enthusiastic high-performing PhD candidate to join PRECISE and contribute to an innovative project titled:

Towards precision offloading for the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcers remain a major cause of hospitalisation and amputation worldwide. PRECISE researchers are developing new approaches to personalise offloading and improve long-term outcomes for people with diabetes. As part of this larger program this project aims to develop clinically applicable methods to understand and manage mechanical loading in the foot to prevent ulcer recurrence.

This PhD project will focus on integrating plantar pressure data gait analysis footwear/orthotic design and real-world activity patterns to optimise offloading strategies. The candidate will work closely with clinical partners to translate these methods into practical tools and protocols that support clinicians in tailoring offloading interventions for individual patients.

Project Highlights

• Work within a world-leading centre specialising in precision health technologies.
• Develop and test precision offloading strategies to reduce ulcer recurrence in people with diabetes.
• Engage with clinicians podiatrists and hospital partners to translate research into real-world clinical practice.
• Access cutting-edge facilities including wearable sensor labs motion analysis systems in-shoe pressure measurement 3D imaging and digital health analytics platforms.
• Contribute to research that directly reduces the burden of diabetic foot disease hospitalisation and amputation.

Qualifications :

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• A strong academic background in:
  • Biomechanics Biomedical Science Engineering Data Science Health Technology Podiatry Physiotherapy or a closely related field.
• Research experience in one or more of the following (desirable but not essential):
  • Gait analysis or lower-limb biomechanics
  • Plantar pressure measurement or offloading interventions (e.g. footwear insoles orthoses casts)
  • Wearable sensor data collection and analysis
  • Machine learning AI or advanced statistics
  • Clinical or health-related research involving people with diabetes
• Evidence of collaborative skills and the ability to work with interdisciplinary research and clinical teams.

A demonstrated passion for improving outcomes for people with diabetes and advancing precision person-centred foot care.

Academic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have completed or be expected to complete:

• A Bachelors degree with Class I Honours or
• A Masters degree (AQF Level 9) with a substantial research component or
• Be assessed by Griffith University as having equivalent research experience (as per HDR Scholarship Procedure).

Additional Information :

About the Scholarship
We will support you to apply for a Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUPRS):

• Stipend: $34752 per annum (indexed)
• Duration: Up to 3 years (full-time)

International applicants may also receive a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUIPRS) to cover tuition fees.

What Griffith Offers
As a scholarship holder you will join a university ranked among the top 2% globally. Griffith fosters a culture of curiosity creativity and courage and provides extensive professional development support for HDR candidates.

We value equity diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples women in STEMM and candidates from all backgrounds.

EoI Process
Do not select the APPLY button.

All expressions of interest must be submitted via email to:

Your EoI must include:

1. Statement addressing your suitability for the project and scholarship.
2. Academic transcript(s) demonstrating required grades.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
4. Names and contact details of two referees.

Closing date for EoIs: Open until filled

The preferred candidate will then be invited to submit a full HDR program and scholarship application online.

For Project Enquiries
Dr Jayishni Maharaj 
Australian Centre for Precision Health & Technology (PRECISE)
Email:

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time