The Neurophysiology of Human Movement Group at the University of Adelaide is seeking a full-time PhD student for a fully funded PhD Scholarship examining “Brain oscillations and motor function in older adults”.

This project will use a novel form of non-invasive brain stimulation combined with multimodal techniques to investigate how synchronising brain oscillations at specific frequencies can influence motor system function and learning in healthy people of different ages. This cutting-edge approach will provide new information on the neurophysiological basis of synchronised brain oscillations and how they can be optimised to improve motor function. The outcomes may have wide-ranging implications for the design of training protocols aimed at improving motor and cognitive function, providing potential benefits in ageing and in rehabilitation.

To be suitable for this role, you must have the following:

• Hold an Honours or Masters degree in physiology, neuroscience, exercise science, psychology or a closely related field.
• Fluent in English (oral and written). If from a non-english speaking country, you must have an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 for writing and speaking and 6.5 for listening and reading.
• Experience in working with human participants, strong technical skills, and experience with data and statistical analysis.
• Experience in neurostimulation (e.g. transcranial magnetic stimulation) and electrophysiology measures (electromyography, electroencephalography) will be highly beneficial. 

The PhD position is embedded within an excellent academic and research environment with a strong physiology and neuroscience focus, and will be located on the North Terrace (city) campus at the University of Adelaide. The research group has excellent facilities to conduct this research, including state-of-the-art neurostimulation devices, neuronavigation, and electrophysiological recording equipment. 

Eligibility: 

Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, NZ citizens or international students who are acceptable as candidates for a PhD degree at the University of Adelaide. 

Stipend: 

The scholarship will be for 3.5 years and has a stipend of $35,300 (indexed annually) per annum. 

It is likely to be tax exempt, subject to Taxation Office approval. 

Enquiries: 

Contact Person: A/Prof John Semmler

School of Biomedicine

Tel: (08) 8313 7192             Email: john.semmler@adelaide.edu.au

Expression of interest 

Expressions of interest should be submitted to A/Prof John Semmler via email john.semmler@adelaide.edu.au with the name of the scholarship in the subject heading. Please ensure you include all of the following documents:

• Evidence of Australian or New Zealand citizenship, or Australian permanent resident status (if applicable)
• Degree certificates (testamurs)
• Academic transcripts
• Translations of non-English documentation
• Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS)
• Curriculum vitae

Short listed applicants may be invited to an online interview. The selected candidate will be invited to submit a formal application for admission.