Investigating the impact of allergic rhinitis on sleep and cognition during adolescence

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.