The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading Australian research university with a solid international reputation for excellence, innovation, and enterprise. As a member of the Group of Eight, UWA is recognised for high-impact research and a vibrant academic community. The Perth campus, located on the banks of the Swan River, is known for its historic architecture and heritage-listed gardens, offering a distinctive and inspiring study environment.

UWA acknowledges and respects the Whadjuk Noongar people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land at its main Crawley campus, affirming an ongoing commitment to Indigenous communities and cultures. The University provides a supportive and inclusive setting for research candidates pursuing advanced study.

Role Description

This full-time, on-site PhD Scholarship role is based in the School of Human Sciences at the UWA campus in Perth, and focuses on research related to postpartum women in sport. The candidate will design and conduct original research projects, including developing study protocols, recruiting participants, collecting data, and performing quantitative and qualitative analyses. Day-to-day activities will include reviewing scientific literature, preparing ethics applications, managing research timelines, and collaborating with supervisors, clinicians, and sport practitioners.

The role involves writing research papers, presenting findings at seminars and conferences, and contributing to grant proposals or research dissemination activities. The candidate will also participate in relevant coursework, attend research group meetings, and contribute to a positive, inclusive academic environment.

PhD Project - "Sustained Sport Participation After Childbirth: A Longitudinal Study of the Psychosocial Pathways to Sport Re-engagement"

This PhD project will be a longitudinal psychosocial investigation of postpartum sport re-engagement that identifies predictors of participation, examines the mechanisms through which walking sport improves wellbeing,



and determines what supports sustained sport participation after the intervention has ended. This project will generate one of the first comprehensive models of postpartum sport re-engagement and maintenance. Findings will inform the design of future interventions that not only facilitate return to sport after childbirth but also support long-term participation for women and mothers.

Recommended Qualifications/Experience

- Strong research skills, including literature review, study design, data collection, and data analysis in health, sport, or related fields.
- Ability to write clear, evidence-based academic texts such as theses, journal articles, and conference presentations.
- Interest and background in exercise science, sports science, physiotherapy, public health, psychology, or a closely related discipline.
- Capacity to work effectively with postpartum populations, including sensitivity to health, cultural, and ethical considerations.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills to manage long-term projects and meet milestones.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with supervisors, participants, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Eligibility for admission to a PhD program at UWA, typically including an Honours degree, Master’s degree, or equivalent research experience.
- Experience with statistical software or qualitative analysis tools and prior involvement in human-subjects research is highly beneficial.

Citizenship Status

Open to domestic (Australia) and international applicants.

Scholarship Details

Stipend scholarship - $38,100 AUD per annum

How to apply

Interested applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Dr Caitlin Liddelow via email ([email protected]). EOIs must contain a cover letter, academic transcript, and a brief CV outlining relevant academic background and contact details. Applications from parties who have not contacted Dr Liddelow will not be progressed. Project and student to commence in early 2027 (Jan-March).

EOIs must be submitted to Dr Liddelow before the 31st January 2027.

📌 PhD Scholarship - Postpartum women in sport (Perth)
🏢 The University Of Western Australia
📍 Perth