This Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.
Supervisor – Associate Professor Abdullah Mamun, mamun@sph.uq.edu.au
Water disinfection by chlorination is one of the most effective measures to safeguard public health. However, emerging global evidence on disinfection by-products, mainly Trihalomethanes (THMs), associated adverse birth outcomes, demands evidence-based policies and practices for supplying safe water. The overarching aim of this project is to investigate the nature and extent of the association between THMs and adverse birth outcomes including low birth weight, small-for-gestational age, preterm births and peri-viable births by linking the Queensland Health water data and Queensland Perinatal Data Collection (QPDC) data; and explore whether the association between THMs levels and birth outcomes is robust to adjustment for potential confounders. This PhD will build on work undertaken through on-going collaborations with partners. Findings of this project will be a major contributor to the advocacy for revising the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines for THMs.
Preferred educational background
We are seeking who has excellent academic record and a particular interest and commitment in conducting high quality research in health and wellbeing.
Applications will be judged on a competitive basis taking into account the applicant's previous academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history.
The applicants will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of advanced data analysis and potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of the environmental health/public health is highly desirable. Domestic and international candidate (onshore) are eligible to apply.
*The successful candidate must commence by Research Quarter 4, 2022. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date. International applicants may need to apply much earlier for visa reasons.