A fully-funded PhD in the area of ‘Data infrastructure for eye health in Aotearoa New Zealand’ is available for suitably qualified candidates to apply for now. The PhD will be co-supervised by Associate Professor Jacqueline Ramke and Dr Katrina Poppe at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland. The scholarship is being funded with support from Blind Low Vision New Zealand.
The opportunity
This project is an exciting opportunity for someone wishing to develop skills in big health data and information systems, as well as using data for quality improvement. The candidate will identify good examples of data infrastructure for chronic health conditions in Aotearoa as well as for eye health in other countries. They will gain a comprehensive understanding of the existing data infrastructure for eye health in Aotearoa and engage stakeholders to identify priorities for strengthening the information system for eye health. The candidate will generate an inaugural summary of eye health services in Aotearoa. The thesis will culminate in concrete recommendations for future monitoring of eye health, including in the context of upcoming health system reforms.
The ideal candidate
Candidates will have high motivation to contribute to an emerging area of scholarship in New Zealand. Students with strong quantitative skills and a commitment to improving health services are invited to apply. Familiarity with and/or prior work experience of New Zealand’s health data infrastructure is an advantage, as is experience in eye health services. Students must have the capability and capacity for independent work required for the fulfilment of the requirements of a PhD at the University of Auckland. Timely completion is vital to this project and students who have a track record of successfully managing deadlines are especially invited to apply.
Application details
Students eligible to enrol in a PhD may express an interest in the project to Jacqui Ramke by 8 November, 2021. Please provide (a) a cover letter outlining your interest in this project; (b) your curriculum vitae including academic qualifications, any publications, research and work experience, and the names and contact details of two referees; (c) copies of academic transcripts; and (d) a sample of your writing, either published or part of previous course work.
The Scholarship is valued at NZ$28,000.00 tax-free per year plus ~$7,500.00 towards compulsory domestic fees for three years. This scholarship is available to New Zealand citizens, permanent resident holders, residence visa holders and qualified candidates of all nationalities who are currently resident in New Zealand.
To be eligible to pay domestic PhD fees, awardees who are permanent residents of New Zealand or Australia, Australian citizens or international students may only be resident outside of New Zealand for a maximum total of twelve months over the period of their enrolment in their PhD and only for the purposes of conducting research.
For more information
Please contact: Jacqui Ramke, j.ramke@auckland.ac.nz or Katrina Poppe, k.poppe@auckland.ac.nz