The MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration (RSRC) was established as a strategic partnership between the Queensland Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) and the University of the Sunshine Coast. Made up of over a dozen full-time research academics and scholars, the RSRC is fast becoming the leading road safety research centre in Queensland, bringing a dynamic, multidisciplinary perspective to road safety research.

Falling within the Neurocognition and Fitness to Drive Stream within the research centre, this project will examine the effects of medicinally prescribed cannabis on neuropsychological function and driving simulator performance. As part of this project, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to learn and develop research skills and knowledge pertaining to systematic literature reviews, research design/methodology, project management, writing and the administration of neuropsychological tests and driving simulator tasks.

The MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration is seeking a PhD candidate for a fully funded project investigating the effects of medicinal cannabis on neuropsychological function and driving. The successful applicant will be based at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Sippy Down campus and will receive an annual living stipend of $33 446.56 (indexed annually 01 January).

The ideal Candidate will feature

• An outstanding graduate with first class honours in psychology or a related discipline, or the equivalent demonstrated via research experience/publications in related discipline (e.g., neuropsychology/neuroscience or impaired driving)
• Enthusiastic and strong work ethic
• Interest in neuropsychology/neuroscience and road safety
• Ability to work effectively with others and independently
• Organised and strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Kayla Stefanidis (kstefani@usc.edu.au) for further information.

Eligibility

• Be accepted into a Higher Degrees by Research program at the University of the Sunshine Coast
• Domestic applicant
• Bachelor’s Degree with First Class Honours or equivalent previous study, relevant work experience, research publications, or other research experience.
• Not have previously held a Commonwealth-funded postgraduate research scholarship unless it was terminated within six months of the current scholarship’s payments commencing.
• Satisfactory progress must be maintained throughout the PhD program.

Selection criteria

• Criterion 1: Academic Achievement
• Criterion 2: Research Capability

Eligible programs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Number available

1

Value

1 -Tuition offset for 3 years with the possibility of a 6-month extension in approved circumstances. (minimum total value $66 000 aud)

 

 2-  Living stipend of $33 446.56 (2023 UniSC research rate) per annum tax-free, paid in fortnightly instalments. The rate is indexed annually commensurate with the RTP base stipend rate. 3 years coverage with the possibility of a 6-month extension in approved circumstances.

 

3 -  $2000 Allowance (Standard with a RTPS for relocation, Publication and thesis costs as per scholarship conditions

Application

Application open to domestic applicants (Australian or New Zealand citizens/permanent residents) only

 

This will be a two-stage application process:

Stage 1 - Expression of Interest: 

Contact Person Kayla Stefanidis (kstefani@usc.edu.au) 07 5430 1166

• Download and complete the USC Research Scholarship (USCRS) application form. USC Research Scholarship (USCRS) application form. Scholarship code = UniSC_RS_2314_STEFANIDIS
• Email your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the contact person and attach:
  • USCRS application form
  • Cover letter
  • Current CV
• The scholarship panel will review the EOI. If shortlisted, you will be invited for interview.
• The preferred applicant will be invited to formally apply for HDR program and Scholarship.

Stage 2 - Formal application (only if you have been invited to apply)

• Read the important information on How to Apply for a HDR Program at USC.
• Submit your USCRS application form as a supporting document when submitting your HDR Program application.

*scholarship offer is subject to applicant meeting the eligibility requirements for entry into a higher degree by research program at USC.