Research scholarships

Full project title: Neurofeedback technology in sleep: modulating brain network activity to support improved sleep and mental health

Resting state networks (RSN) are brain regions that communicate together, reflecting the brain’s baseline functional architecture during different states (eg quiet, wake, sleep). Disruption of these networks have been implicated in the pathophysiology of sleep and mental disorders.

Neurofeedback offers a promising non-invasive strategy to help individuals self-regulate RSN activity, thereby potentially improving:

• brain function
• sleep quality
• overall mental health.

About the project

Working at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research based in Sydney NSW, Macquarie University, CSIRO and industry partners (Affectable and Resonait) the candidature will gain scientific, health and industry engagement experience in:

• understanding the EEG signatures of the resting state network
• validating a resting-state EEG (rs-EEG) algorithm during wake and sleep in healthy sleepers/sleep disorders
• undertaking a pilot study using rs-EEG neurofeedback to improve sleep and mental health
• the development of next-generation, innovative neurotechnology for improving sleep and mental health.

This prestigious scholarship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of neuroscience, sleep technology and health.

Availability

The scholarship is available to candidates eligible to undertake:

• a direct entry three-year PhD
• a four-year MRes + PhD bundle program.

Applicants should have:

• a master degree in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical science or a related field
• a strong interest in sleep, neuroscience and technology
• prior research experience in electrophysiology, neuroscience, or human physiological and clinical science is advantageous
• programming skills with Matlab/Python or R are desirable.

Learn more about eligibility into the program.

Components

The successful candidate will receive the competitive CSIRO industry PhD or MRes + PhD bundle scholarship package.

The scholarship comprises:

• a tuition fee offset
• stipend (living allowance) of $48,071 per annum (full-time, indexed) for three years for PhD or four years for MRes + PhD bundle
• the opportunity to conduct research at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research
• field experience at industry partners (three calendar months/60 work days)
• CSIRO workshops/seminars with other iPhD scholarship holders.

The candidate student will be enrolled at Macquarie University and the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, while benefiting from the co-supervision and resources of CSIRO and the industry partners (Affectable and Resonait), ensuring a high-impact, translational research experience.

Note: A mandatory component of the iPhD program is a minimum 60-day industry engagement period. This ensures the student gains direct, practical experience in translating research into commercial and clinical applications, preparing them for a leading career in industry-focused research and development.

How to apply

To apply, contact Christopher Gordon at c.gordon@mq.edu.au.

Include:

• the email subject line: “iPhD Application in neurofeedback”
• a cover letter
• your Curriculum Vitae (CV) (including research experience)
• academic transcripts
• at least two referees.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.