Woolcock Institute of Medical Research 
Sydney, Australia Offer Summary
The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Sydney offers a three‑year, full‑time PhD scholarship in the School of Psychological Sciences at Macquarie University. The project, SPARCO, investigates how allergic rhinitis (hay fever) affects sleep quality and cognitive functions—attention, memory, executive functioning—in adolescents aged 12‑18. Candidates should have a first‑class honours degree or equivalent research experience, be Australian citizens or permanent residents, and meet Macquarie University’s PhD admission criteria. The scholarship provides a stipend of $39,700 per annum (indexed) and a tuition fee offset. Funding is provided by Bayer, with industry engagement and post‑PhD career development opportunities. Contact Dr Rick Wassing or Dr Biljana Cvetkovski for more information.
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Project Description
The SPARCO (Sleep and Paediatric Allergic Rhinitis Cognitive Outcomes) investigates the relationship between sleep, attention, and cognitive development during adolescence and the experience of hay fever.
Hayfever is a common, debilitating condition characterised by poor quality of life, significant health burden and impacts on work and leisure.
This PhD scholarship in the School of Psychological Sciences at Macquarie University is designed for graduates who are interested in cognition, sleep, and developmental neuroscience.
The project will examine how hay fever affects sleep quality and cognitive functioning in adolescents aged 12–18 years, with a strong emphasis on psychological assessment, including attention, memory, executive functioning, and individual differences in cognitive vulnerability. The research will suit candidates with training or interests in cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, or developmental psychology.
Based at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, the successful candidate will work closely with neuropsychological researchers and clinical collaborators on a collaborative, translational project, while the core research questions and methods remain grounded in psychological science.
Funded by Bayer, the scholarship also offers opportunities for industry engagement and post-PhD career development.
Scholarship details
This scholarship is available to eligible candidates to undertake a direct entry three-year PhD program. Applicants must, at the time of application:
- be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident;
- meet Macquarie University's PhD admission requirements;
- hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent research experience
- not be enrolled in another PhD prorgram
The scholarship comprises:
- a tuition fee offset/scholarship
- a living allowance stipend
The value of each stipend scholarship is $39,700 per annum (full time, indexed) for three years.
Before submitting your application, submit an expression of interest including your:
- CV
- academic transcripts
- a short statement of research interests and relevant experience
If you are interested in applying for this PhD opportunity and would like more information, please contact Dr Rick Wassing at rick.wassing@woolcock.org.au or Dr Biljana Cvetkovski at biljana.cvetkovski@woolcock.org.au.
For further information and to apply, go to the Macquarie University website.