PhD Scholarship: Sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health
Overview
Title
PhD Scholarship: Sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health
College
College of Medicine and Public Health
Opening date
22-01-2026
Closing date
22-02-2026
Scholarship value
$35,010.00 (2026 rate) tax free
Scholarship duration
3 years
Payment term
Paid Fortnightly
Enrolment status
Commencing
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.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research at the intersection of sleep science, digital health, psychology, and human physiology. The project aims to transform how we understand and optimise circadian rhythms and sleep using innovative wearable technology and personalised interventions.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape a PhD program with a broad scope across several interconnected research streams, including:
- Evaluating a novel wearable light device designed to shift circadian rhythms and improve sleep, daytime functioning, mood, and alertness in individuals with misaligned biological clocks.
- Developing and testing personalised, evidence‑based treatment recommendations to support circadian adjustment in real‑world settings.
- Exploring how health professionals use light and other therapeutic strategies to support clients with circadian rhythm disruptions.
This project offers the chance to work on research with real clinical, technological, and societal impact, contributing to solutions for sleep disorders, mental health, and wellbeing.
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
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.
