PhD Scholarships: Human Foot Biomechanics

Company Description

About us
The research will be undertaken within The Australian Centre for Precision Health and Technology (PRECISE), at Griffith University Gold Coast. PRECISE is driving a transformation away from ineffective and inefficient one-size-fits-all healthcare, toward ultra-personalised precision care. Underpinned by our patented digital twin modelling platform, we are developing and validating technologies that identify the person-specific biomarkers that drive the onset and persistence of poor musculoskeletal and neurological health. Our disruptive technologies are set to change how we deliver healthcare using highly accurate, person-specific biomarkers, in any environment, empowering patients to take ownership of their own health. Our approach gives clinicians the tools to develop personalised treatments that modify disease biomarkers and monitor treatment effects and disease progression over time.

The successful candidate will be based at Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia, under the primary supervision of Associate Professor Luke Kelly (https://experts.griffith.edu.au/21209-luke-kelly). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. (LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukekellybiomech/)

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples

Job Description

A PhD Scholarship is available for an outstanding candidate to work on understanding, modelling and augmenting human foot function to improve musculoskeletal health and physical performance across the lifespan.

We have a range of projects that can be tailored to meet the interests and skill set of outstanding applicants. This is an exciting opportunity to apply an array of experimental and computational approaches from the fields of biomechanics, neurophysiology, morphometrics and artificial intelligence.

Qualifications

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background.

A successful candidate is expected to hold a bachelor’s degree with first-class Honours or a Master’s degree with Distinction. These degrees should incorporate a significant research component in either of biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomechanics, human movement science, kinesiology, or related degrees. Those with clinical backgrounds in Physical Therapy are also encouraged to apply. Foundation skills in computer programming are essential (MATLAB, Python). Demonstrated skills in artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning) would be favourable for some projects.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure.  For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

Additional Information

About the scholarship
The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

EoI process
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to luke.kelly@griffith.edu.au containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday 1 August 2025 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

Further information

For project related enquiries please contact:
Associate Professor Luke Kelly
Email: luke.kelly@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Phone: (07) 3735 3817
Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au