Research interests of the research team offering the project
The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute is home to significant scientific discoveries. We are a diverse team of world-leading researchers, doctors, engineers, and hardworking professionals in corporate and scientific services from all corners of the world with one shared goal — to transform child health worldwide.
Orygen is the world’s leading research and knowledge translation organisation. We work to deliver cutting-edge research, policy development, innovative clinical services, and evidence-based training to ensure that there is continuous improvement in the treatments and care provided to young people experiencing mental ill-health. Orygen has pioneered the field of prevention and early intervention for personality disorder in young people.
Details of the project
The LongSTEPP study is the first of its kind due to its focus on adolescents, their period and pelvic pain and their long-term outcomes. This study is being undertaken in the recognition that many women have repeated laparoscopies for their pelvic pain and endometriosis, and they are more likely to experience ill-mental health, poorer psychosocial health and reduced fertility. The current approach represents a major burden for women, their families, communities, and workplaces as well as a major economic cost. The LongSTEPP study gives the possibility of identifying predisposing factors and potential positive interventions for adolescents who present with endometriosis, period and chronic pelvic pain.
The PhD will focus on investigating adverse childhood events and mental health trajectories in young people presenting with period, pelvic pain, and endometriosis. We will be studying adverse childhood events, depression, anxiety, personality traits and interpersonal relationships. This PhD will focus on personality functioning in the context of chronic pain. The position is preferably full time; however, part time would also be considered. In this role you will be supported and mentored by an enthusiastic team of clinician researchers, study nurses and experts in the fields of paediatric and adolescent gynaecology, longitudinal children’s health and health utilisation.
Scholarships and fees
A stipend of $32,400 per year is available for this PhD project.
Scholarships are available through the University of Melbourne – find out more here. Other scholarship opportunities may also be available but are highly competitive, so please speak to the contact person below for further details.
Information on fees for domestic and international students is available here.
How to apply
- Read information for future students here and check your eligibility here.
- Read our frequently asked questions here.
- Liaise with, and gain the support of, the supervisor/s. Please contact them using the details below and attach a copy of your CV and university transcript(s).
- Once you’ve gained supervisor support, follow the steps outlined by the University of Melbourne here. You can go straight to Step 3.
You are strongly encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Contact
Professor Andrew Chanen
[email protected]