Evaluation of medication use and management among patients with dementia in Australian general practice

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for a full-time PhD position within the School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at University of Tasmania, subject to successfully obtaining a University Doctoral Scholarship. The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible, but no later than mid-2022.

Medication safety is a national health priority for Australia. The vast majority of dementia patients are expected to benefit from antidementia medications and should not be denied it unless they are intolerant to the therapy. However, there is a knowledge gap on the safe and effective use of medications that improve dementia symptoms in Australia. Since dementia is of global concern, the primary project aims to generate both national and global representative evidence on identifying medication-related issues and develop preventive strategies towards inappropriate medication use, polypharmacy, drug interactions and adherence-related problems using Australian primary care data.

Please note: the position will suit a variety of backgrounds (including pharmacists, nursing, medical, allied health, health policy, public health, biostatisticians and methodologists). An understanding of medications is required. The project is open to domestic (Australia and New Zealand) and international applicants who are already in Australia (onshore) at the time of submitting their application.

The scholarship supporting this project provides:

– a living allowance stipend of $28,597 per annum (2021 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years;
– a relocation allowance of up to $2,000;
– a tuition fee scholarship for up to 4 years.

Selection Criteria:

– A degree with a substantial research project (e.g. Research Masters’ degree, Masters’ degree with treatise component, or Bachelor degree with first-class Honours)
– Excellent analysis and writing skills, demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
– Demonstrate some understanding of statistical methods and proficiency with any data analysis software
– Exceptional interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work in teams
– Capacity to work with a range of disciplines and having prior clinical knowledge
– Evidence of project management and organisation ability, including the ability to fulfil goals and deliver outcomes within a specified period

Your Expression of Interest should include:

– Your CV and copy of academic transcript(s)
– List of two or three potential academic referees and/or line managers
– Sample of written work, ideally appropriate for an academic audience (e.g. honours thesis, peer-reviewed journal article, essay written during coursework study or similar)

Applications close: 24 October 2021