Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- Herston
- Research area
- Health sciences
Project description
Gynaecological cancers are the third most common cancer type diagnosed in Australian women. Each year over 6,700 Australian women and girls are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer and almost a third will not survive their disease.
PhD scholarships are available for exceptional students to complete a PhD as part of a National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Improving the Quality of Survival for Gynaecological Cancer Patients. The aim of this CRE is to address contemporary issues in gynaecological cancer care, with a focus on three priority areas: 1) enabling fertility after endometrial cancer; 2) reducing lymphoedema; and 3) optimising cancer recovery.
We have three full-time PhD opportunities available focusing on improving quality of life, health, and function during and after gynaecological cancer treatment.
- PhD 1: Biomarker research using clinical trial specimens to identify molecular factors that improve outcomes for women with gynaecological cancer. Projects may include exploring treatment resistance, molecular risk factors for lymphoedema, and the effectiveness of exercise.
- PhD 2: Implementation research, collaborating with stakeholders to address barriers in clinical care pathways. Projects may involve supporting groin lymph node ultrasound for metastasis detection or implementing lifestyle/exercise programs.
- PhD 3: Cancer survivorship, focusing on improving care models for gynaecological cancer survivors. Projects may include enhancing supportive care delivery and transitioning cancer services into survivorship models for optimal recovery.
Research environment
These projects are situated at the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer (QCGC) Research within the UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR). QCGC Research aims to reduce the current and future burden of gynaecological cancer and to develop kinder, less invasive, and more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. UQCCR is located at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital campus in Herston.
The successful applicants will work as part of the QCGC Research team as well as collaborate with researchers, clinicians, consumers, and stakeholders from other organisations and the community.
Scholarship
This is an Earmarked scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $35,000 per annum tax free (2024 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
- single overseas student health cover (OSHC).
Learn more about the Earmarked scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history.
A working knowledge of gynaecological cancer would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
A background or knowledge of translational research, implementation research and/or stakeholder engagement is highly desirable.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 3, 2026. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 31 March, 2026 31 December, 2025.
You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- Contact Professor Andreas Obermair (a.obermair@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.
When you apply
You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.
In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:
- My higher degree is not collaborative
- I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
- UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.