PhD Project Management of dyskinesia in children with cerebral palsy The NHRMC Centre of Research Excellence in Cerebral Palsy (CRE-CP) is a five year funded project that brings together leading researchers and clinicians from across Australia and internationally. The multi-faceted research program involves a range of clinical trials, systematic reviews and the implementation of evidencebased care into practice. The research projects within the CRE-CP are divided into three streams:  Allied Health  Medical and Surgical Interventions  Mental Health and Participation We are currently seeking expressions of interest for a PhD Scholarship within the Medical and Surgical Interventions stream; specifically in the assessment of dyskinesia and management in children with cerebral palsy. The CRE-CP is undertaking a broad research program on dyskinesia, focusing on accurate identification and measurement of dyskinesia, and general management principles. The candidate will be able to devise the PhD project according to their research interests, however it must be in line with the CRE-CPs overarching goals and objectives. Successful applicants will have a medical or allied health background, and will have an interest in the management of movement disorders in children. Strong communication skills and an understanding of disability and health service delivery is essential. Eligibility  Eligibility for acceptance by a tertiary institution into a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Applicants must have commenced the eligibility process at the time of submitting their application. The position will be offered to the successful applicant, conditional upon acceptance into a Doctor of Philosophy.  Applicants must have an Honours 1, Honours 1 equivalence, or have completed a degree and have an outstanding record of professional and/or research achievements since graduation.  Applicants must be Australian citizens or have permanent resident status with qualifications recognised in Australia (except in exceptional circumstances). Details of award  Stipend – $25,000 pa. The stipend for full-time enrolment is provided tax-free under Section 23(z) of the Income Tax Assessment Act  Full-time Scholarships are awarded for a minimum of one year and a maximum of three and a half years.  Scholars will be encouraged to apply for external competitive scholarships (e.g. APA, NHMRC) in the second year (or full-time equivalent) of the scholarship. Evidence of application must be supplied. If successful, this frees up funds for other students within the CRE-CP, and the CRE-CP will provide an CRE-CP: Dyskinesia PhD Project Application Page | 1 annual top-up stipend of $5,000 which can be used for living expenses, travel or consumables. The CRE-CP funding will only be awarded following the approval of candidature at your enrolling institution. Allowances Paid recreational leave – up to 4 weeks pa (to be taken during each 12-month period of the Scholarship. Recreation leave cannot be rolled over). Additional Earnings Scholars may undertake part time paid employment during their Scholarship in line with the terms of their Administering Institution. Scholarship requirements and obligations As part of the funding agreement, Scholars are required to:  Submit summary progress reports every six months and full progress reports annually. These reports will be assessed to ensure satisfactory progress.  Acknowledge the Centre of Research Excellence in Cerebral Palsy on all publications, technical papers and media.  Include at least one CRE-CP Investigator on the supervisory panel who qualifies by University regulations to be on a panel.  Contribute to the most relevant CRE-CP sub-committee.  Attend at least 80% of CRE-CP teleconferences, held quarterly.  Attend annual symposium to present research findings. Application Process 1. Applicants are first advised to begin making eligibility enquiries and familiarise themselves with the formal application process required by their tertiary enrolling institution. 2. Applicants are requested to email a completed Expression of Interest (EOI) form to the CRE-CP Coordinator, together with a cover letter outlining their reasons for wishing to undertake this particular PhD; CV and academic record. The deadline for the EOI is Wednesday 5th November. 3. The CRE-CP will review all EOIs within 10 days of the closing date. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the supervisors to discuss the project details and provide further information to support the development of a formal research proposal. 4. Following the CRE-CP review of research proposals, the selected applicant will be invited to submit a formal scholarship application through their tertiary institution’s relevant faculty. 5. To be successful, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for PhD candidates set by their relevant tertiary institution. The CRE-CP funding will only be awarded following the approval of candidature at the enrolling institution. For further information please contact the CRE-CP Coordinator on [email protected] or call 03 9936 6087 CRE-CP: Dyskinesia PhD Project Application Page | 2 PhD: Expression of Interest Title and Name Residential Address Contact Phone Number Email Address Are you an Australian Citizen? YES NO Of which country are you a citizen? Do you hold permanent Australian residency status? Enrolling Institution and Department What type of scholarship are you applying for? Full-time Top-up If applying for funding; have you applied for any other scholarships? YES NO If Yes, list details of scholarship and attach supporting documentation. CERTIFICATION BY APPLICANT  I certify that all details given in this application are correct.  I have commenced the eligibility process at a tertiary institution and understand that if successful, the Scholarship offer is conditional approval of candidature at my enrolling institution  I have attached a cover letter stating my reasons for wishing to undertake this PhD and any supporting arguments.  I have attached my CV and academic transcript, and a brief overview of relevant research experience. Signature Date Return completed form to: Tessa Devries, CRE-CP Coordinator at [email protected] CRE-CP: Dyskinesia PhD Project Application Page | 3