The Adelaide Graduate Research School is partnering with Royal Life Saving South Australia to create a supported internship for a PhD student working in public health, or disability policy and advocacy.

Royal Life Saving South Australia was founded in 1909 and is solely responsible for inland waterways and still-water environments. The organisation’s reach extends across the state, serving communities with high-quality, evidence-based training and skills instruction. As a dynamic, not-for-profit organisation, their tangible areas of activity include advocacy and awareness-raising, education, training, health promotion, aquatic risk management, community development, research, lifesaving sport, leadership and participation and internship partnerships.

About the project
The organisation has recently opened a swimming pool in the North Eastern suburbs of Adelaide, which was part of an election commitment of $150,000 to refurbish the Royal Society for the Blind pool. The pool now services over 90 participants on the Autism Spectrum on a weekly basis. The program provides life saving skills in an accessible and inclusive environment. This internship has been established to support Royal Life Saving SA in understanding the role of water safety programs in the health and well-being of children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD and their families. Furthermore, this project will provide a PhD student with an opportunity to undertake research and development activities related to policy, health and well being, project management, education and sports education. The internship will involve interstate travel. Travel and accommodation expenses will be fully covered by Royal Life SA.

The nature of the research and development activities may include:
• Meaningful assistance in research and policy development
• Developing and planning program structure
• Applying research skills including data collection and data management to support the project

Expected research outcomes for students may include:
• Contributing to drowning prevention through increased program advocacy
• Impacting and reshaping future policy
• Gaining insight into education and training programs
• Applying research skills to assist with future funded initiatives
• Developing networks in non-government, government, and private industries

The selected applicant, their supervisor, and Royal Life Saving SA's contact person will have the opportunity to discuss the nature of research and development activities and internship arrangements post-selection. An expected commencement date is 1 May 2023.

Eligibility:
The PhD student must be:
• within the first 18 months of their candidature if commenced as full-time student,
• willing to undertake the internship for a minimum duration of 60 FTE business days,
• making satisfactory progress, and
• undertaking research in an area aligned with the internship

Application process:

To apply, please email the following documents to hdr_internships@adelaide.edu.au (HDR Internships Office) with the subject line - Royal Life Saving SA Internship
• Resume
• Cover Letter (of not more than 2 pages) outlining your interest in the internship and describing how your background and research area align with the proposed field of internship.

Further enquiries:

Email: hdr_internships@adelaide.edu.au