PhD Scholarship: Navigating a noisy world: listening and language skills in children with hearing loss

Audiology program within College of Nursing and Health Sciences is looking for a candidate to fill a PhD position to investigate listening in noise in children with hearing loss. Chronic hearing loss in children has serious consequences on language, and social development. While early intervention programs in Australia enable timely fitting of hearing devices, children with hearing loss continue to struggle scholastically and listening in noise remains a challenge. This study aims to evaluate listening to conversational speech in busy classroom. The current PhD position is funded by Flinders University and the project will be undertaken within Audiology program at Flinders University with Prof Mridula Sharma as the primary supervisor.

If you are interested in working with children, have a background or masters in Audiology and/or Cognitive Neuroscience, then we will be interested in talking to you.

The scholarship includes:

• An indexed stipend valued at $33,990 per annum tax free for 3 years, with possible extension;
• A supportive environment to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area;
• The opportunity to work in a team and learn about hearing, reading, and language skills in school-aged children.

To be eligible for the award of this scholarship a student must:

• Be an Australian citizen; or New Zealand citizen; or have been granted permanent resident status; international students will also be considered and
• Meet PhD admission requirements including: have an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), including a research component of at least 6 months full-time study achieving Distinction (75%) OR including evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant; and
• Be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University in second quarter of 2024, if not sooner; 
• Have a driver’s license.
• Undertake a National Police Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check.