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

Job No:698225

Location: Monash University School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine (509 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne)

Employment Type: Full time

Duration: 3 years

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

Remuneration:

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. Based within the Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal (ANZMUSC) Clinical Trials Network, this project offers the opportunity to contribute to internationally recognised research that directly informs clinical care for people with rheumatic diseases.

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 current 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 The successful candidate will undertake research that could include:

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 This PhD provides comprehensive training in:

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

Supervision The successful applicant will be supervised by internationally recognised leaders in evidence-based medicine, guideline methodology and rheumatology, including Professor Rachelle Buchbinder and Dr Samuel Whittle, 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 Applicants should have:

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.

Application Close Date:

Sunday04/10/2026 11:55pm AEST

Supporting a diverse workforce Monash University recognises that its Australian campuses are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Kulin nations, and pays its respects to their elders, past and present.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Developing the Next Generation of Evidence-BasedRheumatology Researcher (Port Phillip City)
🏢 Monash University
📍 Port Phillip City