PhD scholarship opportunities at CHESM

PhD scholarship opportunities at CHESM

The Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine (CHESM) is offering two full-time PhD scholarships valued at up to $42,440 per annum to suitably qualified candidates with a dietetics, allied health, psychology, medical, exercise, or other relevant science- or health related degree. These scholarships are funded by two MRFF research grants.

Project areas (commencing early 2026):

1. Developing and evaluating a brief weight management intervention for people with osteoarthritis (one PhD stipend). This PhD will be supervised by Dr Belinda Lawford (primary supervisor), Professor Kim Bennell, and Professor Rana Hinman;
2. Understanding and exploring the impact of sleep disorders in people with musculoskeletal pain (one PhD stipend). This PhD will be supervised by Dr Belinda Lawford (primary supervisor), Dr Jonathan Quicke (University of Queensland), Associate Professor Michelle Hall (University of Sydney), and Professor Rana Hinman (CHESM, University of Melbourne).

At CHESM, you’ll be part of a world-leading multidisciplinary research Centre within the University of Melbourne. Our research focuses on non-surgical management strategies (e.g., exercise, lifestyle change, weight management, footwear & orthotics) in promoting health and wellbeing and managing major public health issues. Our team includes researchers and experienced clinicians from a range of disciplines including physiotherapy, medicine, science, exercise science, and podiatry.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Meet the entry requirements for a PhD at The University of Melbourne - click here for more information
• Be willing to enrol in the PhD full-time, commencing first quarter 2026
• Have a background and suitable qualification in a dietetics, allied health, psychology, medical, exercise, or other relevant science- or health-related degree

Benefits of the scholarship

• The scholarship will provide a stipend allowance of up to $42,440 per annum for 3.5 years
• Opportunities to work with CHESM’s outstanding researchers, participate in our career development programs, and contribute to our engagement activities

How to apply

To express interest, please complete this REDCap form, where you’ll be asked to submit the following:

• A 1-page letter outlining your background experience and why you want to do this PhD
• A copy of your CV
• Your academic transcript/s

Deadlines

Initial enquiries close 1st November 2025

Further information

For any queries, please contact Dr Belinda Lawford (belinda.lawford@unimelb.edu.au).