The University of Adelaide, in collaboration with leading orthopaedic device manufacturer Austofix, is offering two prestigious PhD scholarships for innovative research projects focused on Proximal Femoral Nailing for hip fracture patients. These industry-partnered scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers in healthcare and engineering fields to contribute to advancing orthopaedic surgical techniques.
Scholarship Overview
Each successful candidate will receive:
Full admission to a PhD program at the University of Adelaide
A generous stipend of $40,000 per annum for 3.75 years
Complete tuition fee waiver
Expert supervision from research specialists at both the University of Adelaide and Austofix
Access to professional development through the University's Career and Research Skills Training program
About Austofix
Austofix is a South Australian Medical Device Company that specializes in orthopaedic implants for trauma surgery. The company has established itself as a leader in research, design, manufacturing, and distribution of world-class orthopaedic devices used globally.
Research Project Details
The research initiative, known as PROFNUL 2, will involve the successful candidates in a randomized control trial investigating differences in hip fracture outcomes using static locked femoral nails versus femoral nails in dynamic mode with sliding lag screws. The study will assess both clinical factors (including analgesic requirements and Time up and go tests) and radiological parameters.
The two PhD projects will be divided along distinct but complementary lines:
Clinical Project: Focusing on developing tools to identify and potentially prevent chronic pain usage in hip fracture patients.
Radiological Project: Aiming to develop novel tools to aid surgical fixation or predict complications and outcomes.
Each PhD student will be expected to develop innovative solutions to these complex surgical problems and publish approximately 3-4 research papers during their candidature.
Research Environment
The projects 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, along with Mark Wise, Global Business Development Manager at Austofix.
Students will co-locate at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building at the University of Adelaide, and Austofix's Head Office in Thebarton, South Australia. It's worth noting that the Orthopaedic Department at the Royal Adelaide Hospital is recognized as a leading institution in Australia according to Newsweek's World's Best Specialized Hospitals 2024 rankings.
Eligibility Requirements
This opportunity is open to candidates who can meet the University of Adelaide's PhD admission requirements, including English language proficiency in the relevant academic area. Applicants must be able to demonstrate suitable experience in either healthcare or engineering through a high-quality Honours or Masters degree.
The scholarship is available to:
Australian Citizens
Australian Permanent Residents
New Zealand Citizens
Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holders
International Students
Successful candidates must enroll as full-time PhD students at the University in the year of the offer and remain based in Adelaide, South Australia for the duration of the award.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidates will possess:
Strong drive and motivation to be part of a world-class research team
Familiarity with 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
Excellent interpersonal skills for working within the Centre of Orthopaedic & Trauma Research and Austofix teams
Application Process
To apply, 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 (maximum 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 on June 30, 2025. Note that applications will be shortlisted on a rolling basis, and the scholarship advertisement may be withdrawn early if suitable candidates are identified.
Enrolment at the University of Adelaide is subject to the execution of a scholarship agreement for the relevant project.
Contact Information
For specific project enquiries:
A/Prof Peter Smitham: peter.smitham@adelaide.edu.au
For general enquiries:
HDR Industry team: hdrindustryenq@adelaide.edu.au
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