PhD Scholarship: Assessing and Validating Novel Head Protection to Determine Impact Force Reduction

Description

We are seeking an outstanding PhD candidate for a Flinders PhD Enterprise Scholarship.

This is an exciting project in partnership between Flinders University and SWAARM GLOBAL PTY LTD. The project will be based in Adelaide, South Australia, and will have an industry-based component (WIL Placement) with SWAARM GLOBAL PTY LTD. 

This PhD involves the assessment and validation of SWAARM novel head protection to determine their impact force reduction properties. 

The student will be supervised by A/Prof David Hobbs and Professor Mark Taylor within the Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) of the College of Science and Engineering.

Benefits

The 4-year scholarship includes:

A stipend valued at $181,025 tax-free, as follows:  

• Year 1 - 2026: $42,000 
• Year 2 - 2027: $44,100
• Year 3 - 2028: $46,305
• Year 4 - 2029: $48,620 

A Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to cover tuition fees for Australian Citizens, NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Eligibility

Ideally, we are seeking a candidate with a background in design, mechanical/materials and biomedical engineering. Knowledge of concussion and preventative measures would also be looked upon favourably. 

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 or earlier. 

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