Sleep and Mental Health in Adolescents - PhD Opportunity with an International Team

Sleep is fundamental to physical and mental health. Sleep and circadian rhythms (body clock) undergo tremendous changes during adolescence. It is also during this critical developmental period, early signs of mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression emerge. The CLASS (Circadian Light in Adolescence, Sleep and School) Study is dual funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). It follows a large cohort of teenagers from Year 7 to Year 12, and examines how changes sleep and circadian rhythms are related to changes in mental health symptoms and academic performance. We are seeking expression of interest from enthusiastic PhD applicants to join a supportive, vibrant research team. Top-up scholarships at AUD 5,000 per year for up to 4 years will be offered to successful candidates who secure an RTP or equivalent scholarship. Depending on thesis topic, the supervision team may include Dr Bei Bei, Prof Shantha Rajaratnam, Dr Julia Stone, and/or additional supervisor(s) with relevant expertise. Topics for PhD theses will be worked out collaboratively between the applicants and the supervision team. There will be ample opportunities for PhD candidates to carve out a research area of their own. Contact for enquiries and applications: Dr Bei Bei (bei.bei@monash.edu). To apply, please send following: (1) a brief cover letter, (2) CV with 2 academic referees, (3) academic transcript(s), (4) a writing sample (e.g., past essay or thesis).