ECU School of Nursing and Midwifery PhD Scholarship – Climate Change and Older Adults

Global climate change (GCC) is widely recognised as a serious public health issue for human health and well-being across the lifespan. The consequences and threat of GCC to older adults includes worsening of existing health conditions, acquiring new health challenges and overall, increased likelihood of comorbidity and mortality. The focus of this PhD scholarship is to contribute to the development of methods and approaches for protecting older adults against the effects of climate change on their psychological health and well-being. This PhD will form part of a wider research program called Psychological Health across the Lifespan (PHALS) – Clim Change.

This PhD scholarship will include developing a framework of healthcare for older adults at risk for psychological consequences of climate change and extreme weather events, i.e., heat waves and flooding; and will contribute towards an education program for health professions on screening and monitoring of older adults’ psychological health status living in at risk regions.

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must;

• Have completed a nursing or midwifery bachelor’s degree with first- or second-class honours and/or a master’s degree with a research component or equivalent from a recognised university.
• Have up-to-date registration with AHPRA.

• Evidence of excellent interpersonal, communication and scientific writing skills
• Evidence of research level English language proficiency
• Have relevant experience in quantitative (e.g., SPSS and/or R or equivalent) and/or qualitative (NVIVO) analysis
• Have relevant experience working in age-related and/or community and primary healthcare settings
• Have knowledge or a keen interest in psychological health and gerontology.
• A strong teamwork ethic and good understanding for overall project intellectual sharing and confidentiality.

• Please email your CV, academic transcripts and an expression of interest outlining your motivation for applying for this scholarship in 500 words (+/- 10%) to c.donnellan@ecu.edu.au

Applicants will be shortlisted for an in-person interview which will be held in July.

For questions about this scholarship and informal enquiries please email Professor Claire Donnellan at c.donnellan@ecu.edu.au