PhD Scholarship Opportunity - Developing the Next Generation of Evidence-Based Rheumatology Researchers

Monash University; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Remote work options

Job summary

Monash University invites applications for a fully supported PhD scholarship focused on developing, implementing and evaluating living guidelines in rheumatology. The project combines living evidence synthesis, GRADE methodology and digital guideline platforms within ANZMUSC's collaborative network.

The successful candidate will work with an experienced team, contribute to high-quality research, and gain training in evidence synthesis, clinical epidemiology and scientific writing while pursuing

Qualifications

• Eligibility to enrol in a PhD at Monash University.
• Interest in evidence-based medicine and rheumatology.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Previous experience with systematic reviews or guideline development is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop living guidelines in rheumatology.
• Conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
• Translate research evidence into clinical recommendations.
• Apply GRADE methodology and Evidence-to-Decision frameworks.
• Use MAGICapp for guideline platforms.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Systematic reviews

GRADE methodology

Evidence synthesis

Data analysis

Clinical research

Communication skills

Education

Medical degree

Honours degree

Tools

MAGICapp

Job description

PhD Scholarship Opportunity - Developing the Next Generation of Evidence-Based Rheumatology Researchers

Job No.: 701008

Location: 509 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at current value of $41,400 AUD per annum 2027 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions at: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/scholarships/scholarship-policy-and-procedures.

Join a world-leading research team developing the future of evidence-based rheumatology.

Applications are invited for a fully supported PhD scholarship at Monash University to undertake innovative research in the development, implementation and evaluation of living clinical practice guidelines in rheumatology.

About The Project

Living guidelines represent a transformative approach to evidence synthesis and clinical guideline development. By combining continuous evidence surveillance with state-of-the-art systematic review methods, GRADE methodology and digital guideline platforms, living guidelines ensure that clinical recommendations remain current as new evidence emerges.

ANZMUSC has been a global leader in this field, developing the world’s first living guidelines for inflammatory arthritis. The successful candidate will contribute to the ongoing development and evaluation of these internationally recognised guidelines while undertaking original research suitable for a PhD.

Research Focus

• Development and evaluation of living evidence synthesis methods
• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
• Translation of research evidence into clinical practice recommendations
• Application of GRADE methodology and Evidence-to-Decision frameworks
• Use and evaluation of digital guideline platforms (MAGICapp)
• Implementation science and knowledge translation in rheumatology
• Investigation of innovative approaches to maintaining high-quality, evidence-based clinical guidelines
• Evaluating the impact of guideline recommendations on clinical practice in patient care

Training Opportunities

• Systematic review and meta-analysis
• Evidence synthesis and critical appraisal
• GRADE guideline development methodology
• Living evidence methods
• Clinical epidemiology
• Scientific writing and publication
• Research presentation and stakeholder engagement
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary and consumer-inclusive research teams

The candidate will work alongside an experienced evidence synthesis team, guideline developers, clinicians, statisticians, librarians and consumer representatives.

Supervision

The successful applicant will be supervised by internationally recognised leaders in evidence-based medicine, guideline methodology and rheumatology, including Professor Rachelle Buchbinder, Dr Samuel Whittle and Professor Denise O’Connor supported by an experienced multidisciplinary research team.

Research Environment

As part of ANZMUSC, the successful candidate will join Australia’s leading collaborative musculoskeletal clinical research network, working alongside more than 400 researchers, clinicians, consumers and policymakers across Australia and New Zealand. The successful candidate will become part of an internationally respected research program at the forefront of living evidence and guideline methodology.

During the PhD, the successful candidate will have opportunities to:

• Publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
• Participate in National and international collaborations
• Deliver conference presentations
• Participate in world-leading methodological research
• Develop skills applicable to careers in academia, clinical research and evidence-based healthcare

Flexible working arrangements are available, with many aspects of the research able to be undertaken remotely, making this an excellent opportunity for candidates based in metropolitan, regional or rural locations.

Eligibility

• Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency. This scholarship is not open to international applicants.
• Eligibility to enrol in a PhD at Monash University.
• A medical degree or honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant health or biomedical discipline.
• An interest in evidence-based medicine, rheumatology, epidemiology or clinical research.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• A commitment to improving healthcare through high-quality research.

Previous experience in systematic reviews or guideline development is desirable but not essential.

Closing Date: Monday 7 December 2026, 11:55pm AEDT