PhD Scholarship: Towards Precision Offloading for the Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Company Description
The Australian Centre for Precision Health & Technology (PRECISE) at Griffith University is a leading hub for research at the intersection of digital health, engineering, and clinical science. PRECISE specialises in integrating AI, biomechanics, wearable sensors, imaging and computational modelling to deliver personalised, predictive and preventative healthcare solutions. Our multidisciplinary team works alongside clinicians, health services and industry partners to develop digital twins, advanced data analytics, and precision interventions that transform patient outcomes. The successful PhD candidate will be based within PRECISE, Griffith University, Gold Coast, and embedded in a highly collaborative environment spanning biomechanics, data science, podiatry, engineering and precision health technologies. As Griffith is a multi-site University, some travel across campuses may be required. Griffith University sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.
Job Description
We are seeking an enthusiastic, high-performing PhD candidate to join PRECISE and contribute to an innovative project titled: “Towards precision offloading for the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.” Diabetic foot ulcers remain a major cause of hospitalisation and amputation worldwide. PRECISE researchers are developing new approaches to personalise offloading and improve long-term outcomes for people with diabetes. As part of this larger program, this project aims to develop clinically applicable methods to understand and manage mechanical loading in the foot to prevent ulcer recurrence. This PhD project will focus on integrating plantar pressure data, gait analysis, footwear/orthotic design and real-world activity patterns to optimise offloading strategies. The candidate will work closely with clinical partners to translate these methods into practical tools and protocols that support clinicians in tailoring offloading interventions for individual patients. Project Highlights

• Work within a world-leading centre specialising in precision health technologies.
• Develop and test precision offloading strategies to reduce ulcer recurrence in people with diabetes.
• Engage with clinicians, podiatrists and hospital partners to translate research into real-world clinical practice.
• Access cutting-edge facilities, including wearable sensor labs, motion analysis systems, in-shoe pressure measurement, 3D imaging and digital health analytics platforms.
• Contribute to research that directly reduces the burden of diabetic foot disease, hospitalisation and amputation.

Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• A strong academic background in:
  • Biomechanics, Biomedical Science, Engineering, Data Science, Health Technology, Podiatry, Physiotherapy, or a closely related field.
• Research experience in one or more of the following (desirable but not essential):
  • Gait analysis or lower-limb biomechanics
  • Plantar pressure measurement or offloading interventions (e.g. footwear, insoles, orthoses, casts)
  • Wearable sensor data collection and analysis
  • Machine learning, AI or advanced statistics
  • Clinical or health-related research involving people with diabetes
• Evidence of collaborative skills and the ability to work with interdisciplinary research and clinical teams.

A demonstrated passion for improving outcomes for people with diabetes and advancing precision, person-centred foot care. Academic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have completed, or be expected to complete:

• A Bachelor’s degree with Class I Honours, or
• A Master’s degree (AQF Level 9) with a substantial research component, or
• Be assessed by Griffith University as having equivalent research experience (as per HDR Scholarship Procedure).

Additional Information
About the Scholarship
We will support you to apply for a Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUPRS):

• Stipend: $34,752 per annum (indexed)
• Duration: Up to 3 years (full-time)

International applicants may also receive a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUIPRS) to cover tuition fees. What Griffith Offers
As a scholarship holder, you will join a university ranked among the top 2% globally. Griffith fosters a culture of curiosity, creativity and courage, and provides extensive professional development support for HDR candidates. We value equity, diversity and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women in STEMM, and candidates from all backgrounds. EoI Process
Do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted via email to:

• j.maharaj@griffith.edu.au

Your EoI must include:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project and scholarship.
• Academic transcript(s) demonstrating required grades.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names and contact details of two referees.

Closing date for EoIs: Open until filled The preferred candidate will then be invited to submit a full HDR program and scholarship application online. For Project Enquiries
Dr Jayishni Maharaj
Australian Centre for Precision Health & Technology (PRECISE)
Email: j.maharaj@griffith.edu.au