The University of Adelaide and leading orthopaedic device manufacturer Austofix invite applications for two PhD projects, exploring Proximal Femoral Nailing for hip fracture patients

About Austofix

Austofix is a South Australian Medical Device Company specialising in orthopaedic implants suitable for trauma surgery. With a focus in research, design, manufacturing and distribution it has a number of world-class orthopaedic devices being used globally.

Project outline

PROFNUL 2

The successful candidates will be embedded into a randomised control trial investigating if there are differences in hip fracture outcomes using a static locked femoral nail or a femoral nail in the dynamic mode with a sliding lag screw. Clinical factors (including analgesic requirements, Time up and go) and radiological parameters will be assessed. The goal of the projects will be to identify best clinical practice for this complex surgical problem.

The projects will be separated along clinical and radiological/engineering areas with a strong focus on collaboration. The clinical project will focus on developing tools to identify and potentially prevent chronic pain usage in hip fracture patients. The radiological project will aim to develop novel tools to aid surgical fixation or predict complications and outcomes. Each PhD student will be expected to develop innovative solutions to the problem and publish approx. 3-4 research papers.

Program overview

The successful candidate will receive:

• Admission to a PhD program at the University of Adelaide;
• A University of Adelaide Research Scholarship for 3.75 years, paid at $40,000 p.a., and a tuition fee waiver; 
• Supervision from research specialists at the University of Adelaide and Austofix; and
• Access to professional development opportunities through the University’s Career and Research Skills Training program.

This project will be undertaken in collaboration with Associate Professor Peter Smitham, Professor Dominic Thewlis and Adjunct Professor Mark Rickman from the University of Adelaide and the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and Mark Wise, Global Business Development Manager at Austofix. The students will co-locate at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building at the University of Adelaide, and Austofix’s Head Office in Thebarton, South Australia. The Orthopaedic Department at the Royal Adelaide Hospital is a leading institution in Australia according to newsweek (https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/worlds-best-specialized-hospitals-2024/orthopedics) and students will be embedded with the team at the University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Eligibility Requirements 

This opportunity is open to candidates who can meet the requirements for PhD admission at the University of Adelaide (including English language proficiency in the relevant academic area), and who can demonstrate suitable experience in either healthcare or engineering (through a high-quality Honours or Masters degree). The successful candidate must be able to enrol as a full-time PhD student at the University in the year of the offer. They must remain based in Adelaide, South Australia for the duration of the award.

The ideal candidates will also possess the following skills and qualifications (tailored to the specific project):

• Driven individuals who want to be a part of a world class team
• Some familiarity in healthcare or engineering/image based analysis
• Background in either healthcare or engineering (through a high-quality Honours or Masters degree).
• Interest and basic skills in developing predictive tools/pathways for improving patient care and surgical techniques.
• Good interpersonal skills as you will be part of two big teams at the Centre of Orthopeadic & Trauma Research and Austofix.
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Application Process 

To apply, please email the following documents to principal supervisor Peter Smitham (peter.smitham@adelaide.edu.au) with the subject line ‘Austofix Industry PhD application’:

• CV
• Cover Letter (of not more than 2 pages) outlining your interest in the PhD project and describing how your background and research area align with the project
• Degree certificates and relevant academic transcripts, with translations of non-English documentation

Applications close 30 June 2025. Please note that applications will be shortlisted on a rolling basis, and the scholarship advertisement may be withdrawn early if a suitable candidate is identified.

Enrolment at the University of Adelaide is subject to the execution of a scholarship agreement for the relevant project.

Enquiries

A/Prof Peter Smitham: peter.smitham@adelaide.edu.au

General Enquiries:

HDR Industry team: hdrindustryenq@adelaide.edu.au