David Klyne

Disentangling the relationship between sleep and pain

We are seeking PhD students with a background in biomedical and/or rehabilitative sciences to join our team to contribute to a body of work that aims to identify if and how sleep influences pain. Projects will involve the measurement and analysis of sleep in the “real world” to understand how daily variations in sleep – one of the most important, yet modifiable health behaviors – drive the day-to-day “waxing and waning” of back pain. The work will involve a multidisciplinary team to address this challenging issue.

Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in biomedical science, physiotherapy or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; knowledge of pain physiology; experience with statistical programs for data analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

Unravelling the molecular mechanisms that explain how exercise programs improve chronic pain

Physical activity and sleep are two of the most modifiable “every day” behaviours that we are learning to target with interventions to prevent and manage chronic diseases. This fully funded PhD will focus on unravelling the molecular mechanisms that explain how physical activity/exercise programs benefit people with chronic hip pain, and how sleep may influence this relationship. Outcomes will guide the refinement and development of new exercise and sleep interventions for improved chronic pain management and prevention. The successful PhD candidate will join Dr Klyne’s team at The University of Queensland and be co-supervised by A/Prof Michelle Hall at The University of Sydney.

Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree in biomedical science, physiotherapy, human movement or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; knowledge of pain physiology; experience with statistical programs for data analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English. Previous research experience and/or coursework in molecular biology is highly desirable.

Interested applicants should email Dr David Klyne with the subject line “PhD student application”. In your email, please briefly describe your research interests, career ambitions, qualifications and career groups. Please also include a PDF of your CV. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received and will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.