PhD Scholarship: Circadian rhythms, light, performance, and mental health
Overview
Title
PhD Scholarship: Circadian rhythms, light, performance, and mental health
College
College of Medicine and Public Health
Opening date
04-08-2025
Closing date
14-09-2025
Scholarship value
$35,010* per annum (2025 rate) tax free
Scholarship duration
3 years
Payment term
Paid Fortnightly
Student type
Domestic students
Level of Study
Higher Degrees Research
Description
We are seeking an outstanding candidate for a PhD scholarship for an ARC Industry Fellowship project entitled: Optimal circadian timing - A smart wearable device and customised technology for bright light administration.
The project has a wide scope to support a PhD project across different studies including:
- Assessing the use of a wearable light device for retiming the circadian rhythm, improving sleep, daytime functioning, mood and alertness in individuals with mistimed rhythms
- Testing and refining personalised, evidence-based advice for optimal use of light for retiming circadian rhythms
- Understanding how psychologists use light to retime circadian rhythms
This PhD opportunity would be well suited to students with a background and interest in clinical sciences, psychology, and human physiology.
The funded PhD scholarship will be based at Flinders University (Principal supervisor A/Prof. Nicole Lovato) under the College of Medicine and Public Health.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the award of this scholarship a student must:
- Be an Australian citizen; or New Zealand citizen; or have been granted permanent resident status; and
- Meet PhD admission requirements including: have an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), including a research component of at least 6 months’ full-time study achieving Distinction (75%) OR including evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant; and
- Be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University in Semester 1, 2026;
It is desirable for applicants to also have:
- A high level of verbal communication and organisational skills
- Prior experience and skills in sleep and circadian research
Application information
ADMISSION to HDR
Those who apply for the scholarship opportunity that have not already applied for admission to a relevant HDR must also apply. Instructions on how to apply for admission can be found here: https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/apply/apply-research-degree/how-to-apply
By lodging this separate application, applicants acknowledge:
- The ‘Supervisor confirmation’ must refer to the application for this scholarship
- The application for PhD admission will only be assessed where the applicant is successful in being awarded the scholarship
Prior to submitting an application for the scholarship, prospective applicants are advised to contact the Project lead, A/Prof Nicole Lovato via email (nicole.lovato@flinders.edu.au) to discuss your interest and eligibility in the opportunity. The Project lead may invite you to apply and request a copy of your CV together with a covering letter outlining your relevant qualifications, experience, research experience, and reasons for applying for the scholarship.
Applicants will be shortlisted, and interviews will be held in October 2025. The successful candidate will ideally begin in January 2026, subject to negotiation.
