Flinders PhD Enterprise Scholarship: High risk drinking among men, potential intervention periods and health promotion strategies to prevent the occurrence of, or change, risky drinking practices

Flinders University and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation are offering a PhD Enterprise Scholarship to undertake research investigating high risk drinking among men, potential intervention periods and health promotion strategies to prevent the occurrence of, or change, risky drinking practices. The PhD student will be based at the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) at Flinders University. NCETA is committed to acting as a catalyst for change in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) field.  The PhD scholarship is co-funded by the ADF who have determined the research question based on their experience in the field. ADF are Australia’s leading organisation committed to inspiring positive change and delivering evidence-based approaches to minimise alcohol and drug harm. This PhD Enterprise Scholarship will be supervised by Prof Jacqueline Bowden Director of the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, Flinders University and A/Prof Michael Livingston, Curtin University. Both are leading alcohol policy researchers. You will also be supervised by Prof James Smith, from Flinders University, who is a leading men’s health and health promotion research and you will have engagement with Dr Skye McPhie, Manager, Research & Evaluation from the ADF who will assist with opportunities to translate results into practice.   

This inspiring project involves:

·         A review of the existing literature to understand the demographic and situational risk factors that lead to behaviours that increase risk of alcohol related harm among men

·         Statistical analysis of national datasets to understand factors associated with risky drinking among men and patterns over time

·         Interviews or surveys to understand at what stage of the life course might intervention be most helpful to prevent the occurrence of, or change, risky drinking practices.

The PhD Enterprise Scholarship also includes an internship of at least 60 full-time equivalent days at the Adelaide office of ADF, agreed to in written form within 18 months of candidature, undertaken and completed prior to completion of the PhD, during which you will be embedded with the industry partner team, developing your network, and gaining insight into the everyday research practices of an industry-leading/service driven organisation.

This PhD Enterprise Scholarship offers:

An indexed stipend of $33,000 per annum tax free, for up to 3.5 years

·         Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision

·         A supportive environment to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area

·         The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges

·         A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for a PhD Enterprise Scholarship you will need:

• to be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have, or are eligible to apply for, a relevant international visa; and
• meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the industry partner, up to maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship.  In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the industry partner and the University, this time may be extended to 6 months.
• Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the industry partner/research project (eg have or able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check)

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• Experience in quantitative data analysis
• Experience in public health and/or drug and alcohol research