PhD Opportunity: Reducing unwarranted variation in pediatric trauma care

PhD Opportunity: Reducing unwarranted variation in pediatric trauma care

Join to apply for the PhD Opportunity: Reducing unwarranted variation in pediatric trauma care role at The George Institute for Global Health.

Our mission is to improve the health of millions of people worldwide.

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time PhD candidate to undertake research on evidence-based trauma care for children and youth in New South Wales (NSW).

What the research involves

1. Co-develop, using Participatory Action Research, an evidence-based, sustainable intervention to address known variations in splenic injury care and their behavioural drivers.
2. Test and refine this intervention, using implementation science research methods, within pediatric trauma care sites in NSW and produce an implementation strategy for its use across the trauma system.
3. Develop a knowledge translation plan to facilitate application of the same to address other disparities in pediatric and youth trauma care.

The research will involve a range of mixed methods, including qualitative and quantitative elements, to generate evidence to enable the sustained change in practice required to reduce variation of care of children and youth with splenic injury across the health system.

Supervision

• Primary: Dr Anna Palagyi, Program Lead – Ageing & Health Systems, The George Institute for Global Health; A/Prof Susan Adams, Pediatric Surgeon, Sydney Children's Hospital; Conjoint Associate Professor, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney; Honorary Research Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health
• Secondary: Professor Julie Brown, Head – Injury Program, The George Institute for Global Health

Who are we looking for?

• Candidates must have a strong interest in pediatric trauma care, public health and implementation science applied to health systems.
• They will be enthusiastic, well-organised, and have excellent oral and written communication skills, as evidenced by previous publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• An ability to work autonomously and to be self-directed in learning, as well as to contribute to team activities and discussions, is necessary for the successful completion of this PhD.
• Professional experience in paediatric and/or trauma care delivery, and/or other related health discipline would be an advantage.
• Prior qualitative or mixed methods research and publications experience will be well regarded.
• Candidates must hold a relevant first or second-class Honours degree or Masters degree with a substantial research component and/or be able to demonstrate equivalent research experience.
• Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents are eligible to apply.

Funding and scholarships

This is currently a non-funded PhD opportunity; however the successful candidate will be supported to apply for an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney. A Top-Up Scholarship of AUD10,000 per annum will be made available to the successful candidate, contingent on successful award of the UNSW RTP scholarship.

Application Guide

Applications should include a cover letter, current CV, copy of academic transcripts, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and the names and contact details of at least two referees.

• Evidence of meeting the eligibility criteria – please see Admission Requirements section of Medicine (The George Institute for Global Health) UNSW handbook
• Relevant professional experience
• Evidence of scientific writing skills
• Evidence of prior mixed methods research experience
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Other applicable indicators of excellence

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 29th September, 2025.

About The George Institute for Global Health

The George Institute for Global Health (The George) is 700+ employees around the world and projects in over 40 countries all focused on improving the health of millions of people worldwide.

As a medical research institute affiliated with leading universities, we are challenging the status quo in healthcare to:

• Lead world-class, large-scale clinical trials, epidemiological studies and health systems research to transform treatments and healthcare delivery
• Look beyond single diseases, across the life course, to identify patient-centred approaches to care that can be implemented at scale
• Develop low-cost, innovative solutions to global unmet needs
• Drive our global impact through a program of research, advocacy, thought leadership and disruptive social entrepreneurship

We pride ourselves with our 6 core values: excellence, integrity, can-do approach, creativity, impact, and humanitarian commitment.

Why The George?

We are committed to attracting, developing, rewarding and retaining the best people in their fields to conduct and support our innovative and highest quality research programs.

• Learning and career development opportunities
• YourFlex arrangements e.g. start/finish times, purchase leave, location
• A global, diverse, inclusive team committed to making impact

Job details

• Seniority level: Internship
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Research
• Industries: Research

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