Phd Scholarship In Multimodal Imaging For Epilepsy Surgery Assessment

Times Higher Education; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Swinburne University of Technology’s Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences invites applications for a full-time PhD scholarship linked to an NHMRC Ideas Grant. The project focuses on multimodal non-invasive neuroimaging to improve epilepsy surgery planning and outcomes.

As a PhD candidate you will work with a multidisciplinary team across imaging modalities (fMRI, HDEEG, MEG, sMRI) and develop integrated pipelines to localise epileptogenic regions and refine non-invasive localisation

Qualifications

• Qualifications may include expertise in neuroimaging and data-driven analysis.
• Experience with imaging analysis, signal processing, programming or quantitative methods is valuable.
• Interest in epilepsy research and translational neuroscience is encouraged.

Skills

Neuroimaging

Computational neuroscience

Biomedical engineering

Data science

Education

Undergraduate degree in science, psychology, neuroimaging, computational neuroscience or related disciplines

Job description

• Advance the Future of Epilepsy Care Through Multimodal Brain Imaging
• Full-time, fixed-term (3.5 years) position at our Hawthorn campus
• Scholarship stipend of $42,440 per annum

Are you passionate about epilepsy research, neuroimaging, and developing innovative data analysis pipelines? This exciting PhD scholarship offers the opportunity to work on world-leading research aimed at improving outcomes for people living with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Based within Swinburne University's Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, this full-time PhD scholarship is linked to a successful NHMRC Ideas Grant focused on advancing epilepsy surgery eligibility and outcomes through multimodal non-invasive neuroimaging.

About the Project

Accurately identifying the brain regions responsible for epileptic seizures remains one of the greatest challenges in determining whether a patient is a suitable candidate for epilepsy surgery.

As a PhD candidate, you will join a multidisciplinary team investigating how advanced neuroimaging technologies can be integrated to improve the localisation of epileptogenic brain regions. You will receive training in a range of state-of-the-art imaging modalities, including:

• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
• High-Density Electroencephalography (HDEEG)
• Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
• Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI)

A key focus of the project will be the development of integrated acquisition, processing and analysis pipelines that combine information from multiple imaging techniques to generate more accurate and clinically useful assessments for epilepsy surgery planning.

Ultimately, your research will contribute to refining non-invasive localisation techniques, improving the identification of suitable epilepsy surgery candidates, and helping to enhance surgical success rates for patients living with drug-resistant epilepsy.

If you're excited by the prospect of combining neuroscience, advanced imaging technologies and data-driven innovation to improve patient outcomes, we encourage you to apply.

Join us at Swinburne and help shape the future of epilepsy diagnosis, surgical planning and brain health research.

About You

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented candidate with a strong academic background in a relevant discipline and a passion for solving complex clinical challenges through innovative technology.

You may have qualifications and/or research experience in:

• Neuroimaging
• Computational neuroscience
• Biomedical engineering
• Computer science
• Epilepsy research
• Medical physics
• Data science
• Related health, science or engineering disciplines

Experience with imaging analysis, signal processing, programming, machine learning, or quantitative research methods would be highly regarded.

What You'll Gain

• Opportunity to work on an NHMRC-funded project addressing a significant unmet clinical need
• Training in multiple advanced neuroimaging modalities and analytical techniques
• Access to state-of-the-art imaging and neuroscience research facilities
• Collaboration with leading researchers across neuroscience, engineering, computing and clinical health disciplines
• Experience developing innovative multimodal imaging pipelines with strong translational potential
• The opportunity to contribute to research that could directly improve outcomes for patients undergoing epilepsy surgery

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in science, psychology, neuroimaging, computational neuroscience or related disciplines.

About Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne's strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university - one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne's bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Applications Close: Sunday 22 November 2026, at 11.00pm

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

Swinburne is proud to be recognised as an AWEI Gold Employer, reflecting our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where LGBTQIA+ employees, students and communities can thrive.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process.

For reasonable adjustment requests - including accessible formats of the position description, application form, or other documents, please contact [e-mail] or call [phone]. Please note: this phone number is for disability and reasonable adjustment enquiries only. General enquiries about the role can also be emailed to [e-mail].

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.

Victoria’s Commitment to Action

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].