Sleep Research Collaborative PhD Program

between

School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University (Australia)

and

Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School (USA)

This collaborative PhD program between the above institutions is for applicants interested in pursuing research in sleep medicine and chronobiology.  It offers an exciting opportunity to undertake research in leading institutions.

1. provision of exceptional training opportunities for PhD students;
2. promotion of excellence in research and scholarship at the participating institutions;
3. attracting high-calibre PhD applicants;
4. establishment of a new research-led international presence for the participating institutions in Australia and the USA, respectively.

Students who are eligible to pursue the PhD program in the School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine and who are eligible to obtain a postgraduate research scholarship are encouraged to apply for this collaborative PhD program (see entry requirements below).

It is proposed that one candidate be selected.

Prospective students will submit an application for admission to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Monash University (School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine), and will submit a postgraduate research scholarship application(s).

The primary supervisor will be Dr Shantha Rajaratnam from Monash University and the co-supervisor will be Dr Steven Lockley from Brigham and Women's Hospital.  The research project will be in the area of circadian regulation of sleep-wakefulness, the impact of sleep loss on neurobehavioural performance, or the effects of light on the human circadian system. More details about the Sleep Research Collaborative PhD Program.

The successful candidate will submit a Visiting Fellows application to the Division of Medical Sciences at Harvard Medical School Visiting Fellows, and submit the required visa application for entry to the USA.

The candidate will be based at Monash University for approximately the first year of the candidature. During this time the candidate will thoroughly review the literature in the relevant field, will work with the supervisors to develop research protocol(s), will undertake the Brigham and Women's Hospital online training program for ethics in human research and will submit applications for ethical approval.  The candidate will undertake part of the research program at Monash.

The candidate will for approximately 12 months be based at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School. During this time the candidate will conduct the remaining part of the research program.

The candidate will be based at Monash University for approximately the final 12-18 months of the candidature, and during this time will analyse data and prepare the thesis for submission (thesis by publication).

The expected commencement date of candidature will be 1 February 2009.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a first class honours degree, or be completing honours in 2008 with final results pending. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a capacity to carry out independent research and have adequate training and ability to pursue the proposed course of study.

PhD Application

Prospective applicants should complete a PhD Application for Admission form. Application forms can be obtained from the web.

Applications close on Monday 13 October 2008

Completed applications should be submitted by this date to the following address:

Sleep Research PhD program
The Postgraduate Studies Office
School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine
Building 17
Monash University
Victoria 3800

Section C of the application form should be left blank, and will be completed by Dr Shantha Rajaratnam.

An internal selection process will be conducted, which may include interview of short-listed candidates.

For further information about the application and selection process, contact:

Ms Susan Knight
Phone: (03) 9905 4359
Email: susan.knight@med.monash.edu.au

Scholarship Application

For details of scholarships and assessment of H1 equivalence see the Monash Research Graduate School Website.

Scholarship application kits should be requested by emailing dpsych.enquiries@med.monash.edu.au or by contacting the Postgraduate Studies Office on (03) 9905 4359 or (03) 9905 1232.

Applications from international students

A step-by-step guide to applications for doctoral degrees from international students is available at the Monash Research Graduate School Website.