Evaluating Innovation in Medical Device Translation through FORGE Medical Devices

Description

Flinders University is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to evaluate the impact of FORGE Medical Devices, a major initiative designed to accelerate the translation of medical device innovations from research through to clinical trials and regulatory approval.

This project will investigate whether access to specialist infrastructure, industry expertise, training, and support enables researchers and early-stage medical device companies to progress more efficiently towards clinical implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the candidate will conduct surveys, interviews, case studies, and longitudinal evaluation of medical device projects moving through the FORGE translational pathway.

The successful applicant will develop expertise in health innovation, program evaluation, implementation science, and medical technology translation while working closely with researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and government stakeholders. The research will generate evidence to inform national strategies for strengthening Australia's medical device ecosystem and retaining high-value innovation domestically.

Ideal candidates will have qualifications in health sciences, social sciences, business, innovation studies, engineering, engineering management, or a related field, with an interest in healthcare innovation, research translation, and mixed-methods research. Experience in the medical device sector would be beneficial.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of Australia's medical technology sector while undertaking research with direct real-world impact.

Benefits

A stipend of $40,000 per annum for the standard period of candidature, typically three years, with a maximum tenure of 3.5 years.

Eligibility

A minimum 2.1 Honours degree in health sciences, social sciences, business, innovation studies, engineering, engineering management, or a related field with an interest in healthcare innovation, research translation, and mixed-methods research. Experience in the medical device sector would be beneficial.