PhD Position in Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety
Monash University
Australia

PhD Scholarship: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) & The Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit (VISU)

Job No.: 637155

Department/Unit: Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC)

Faculty/Division: Office of the Senior Vice-Provost and Vice-Provost (Research)

Location: Clayton campus (MUARC)

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend of up to $40,000 p.a. 2021 full-time rate (tax-free stipend) - annually indexed plus allowances as per the stipend conditions

Please note this is the total amount of the scholarship. Students are required to apply for Monash Research Training Program funding ($30,000), and if successful, will receive ARPANSA top-up funding to the value of $10,000.

Supervision: Associate Professor Janneke Berecki-Gisolf (MUARC), Associate Professor Ken Karipidis (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency), Dr Jane Hayman (MUARC), Associate Professor Genevieve Grant (Faculty of Law, Monash University)

The Opportunity

A unique, exciting opportunity exists for an exceptionally talented candidate interested in undertaking a PhD at the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). MUARC is Australia's largest and most respected accident and injury prevention research organisation. MUARC’s research, consultancy, training and scientific expertise include safety in all modes of transport, in the workplace, in the community and in the home. MUARC’s goal is simple but profound: to prevent injury, save lives, and build futures.

The project: Injuries resulting from cosmetic application of non-ionising radiation

Non-ionising radiation (NIR) can be applied for cosmetic purposes, such as the use of laser to remove tattoos or to improve the appearance of wrinkles, lines and acne scars. In Australia, there is limited and inconsistent regulation around the use of NIR for non-medical, cosmetic purposes. There is anecdotal evidence that cosmetic application of NIR frequently results in unintentional injuries, but to date there is no systematic collection of the injury data. Comprehensive NIR cosmetic injury data collection and analysis are required for Australian states and territories to be able to pursue the development of regulation for these applications.

The purpose of this PhD programme is to determine the burden of injury in Australia resulting from NIR treatment applied to the skin for cosmetic purposes.

The PhD programme of work will encompass:

1. A review of the international scientific literature on injuries resulting from cosmetic use of NIR, followed by a media review of Australian case reports in news outlets in the last ten years
2. A review of regulatory arrangements, health care complaints and legal cases relating to NIR treatment injury
3. Patient data analysis of NIR injuries, based on: (a) hospital admissions data and emergency department presentations data; and (b) GP clinical data files where these can be accessed through one or more Primary Health Networks
4. Design and implementation of a survey of patients who underwent NIR treatment, recruited through cosmetic treatment centres
5. Discussion of the findings and drafting of recommendations regarding potential regulation of NIR use for cosmetic purposes, as well as recommendations for ongoing NIR related injury data surveillance

Candidate Requirements

As the successful candidate, you will:

• Have a relevant Honours or Masters degree with H1 or equivalent;
• Meet the eligibility criteria for PhD candidature at Monash University;
• Have Australian or New Zealand citizenship (or permanent residence), and currently residing in Australia;
• Have an interest in injury prevention research and specifically, an interest in health data analysis and statistics;
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Have the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team;
• Have the ability to plan, organise, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines, and
• Have analytical thinking, data analysis and critical problem-solving skills.

How to Apply

1. Potential candidates should complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including a one page research proposal, and submit this form, with full CV and transcripts, to the Graduate Research Administrative Officer (see details provided above).
2. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview at MUARC.

Enquiries

Janneke Berecki-Gisolf, Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit (VISU)
Email: janneke.berecki-gisolf@monash.edu

Closing Date

Friday 30 September 2022, 11:55pm AEST

At Monash University, the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, students and visitors remain our priority. In accordance with the Directions issued by Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, we require all staff, students and visitors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved medical exemption from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in order to attend our campuses and locations. 

For the latest information on COVID-19 at Monash, please visit our website. 

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