Australia – PhD in Biostatistics at University of Melbourne

Australia – PhD in Biostatistics at University of Melbourne

Join the PhD opportunity in Biostatistics at the University of Melbourne, in partnership with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. This role offers an opportunity to develop robust statistical solutions for complex biostatistical challenges and to contribute to cutting‑edge clinical trials.

University: University of Melbourne |
Country: Australia |
Deadline:  |
Fields: Biostatistics, Statistics, Epidemiology, Data Science, Clinical Trials

The University of Melbourne is a globally recognised institution celebrated for research, teaching and engagement. Located in Melbourne, it offers a vibrant, multicultural academic environment. The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), affiliated with the university and the Royal Children’s Hospital, is Australia's largest child‑health research institute and a leader in translational research. Within MCRI, the Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit (CEBU) is recognised for expertise in biostatistics, epidemiological methods and data management.

This PhD project focuses on developing and evaluating statistical methods for key challenges in adaptive platform trials (APTs). APTs allow multiple research questions to be addressed simultaneously within a single protocol, offering efficiency and flexibility. The project tackles issues such as biased estimation of treatment effects due to early stopping rules, optimal stopping rules, and missing data handling at interim analyses or in trials with non‑concurrent controls.

The successful PhD candidate will join the Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit (CEBU) at MCRI and the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne. Supervision will be provided by Dr. Chris Selman, Dr. Melissa Middleton and Professor Katherine Lee. The project will involve simulation experiments and real‑world case studies to advance and evaluate statistical methods for APTs.

• An undergraduate degree and an Honours or Master’s degree in statistics or a closely related discipline.
• A strong interest in statistical methodology and its application to clinical and population health research.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills, with experience in data analysis, statistical modeling or simulation studies.
• Enthusiasm for collaborative research and a commitment to advancing the field of biostatistics.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Open to Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents of Australia, and international students.

Applicants must secure a graduate scholarship through the University of Melbourne. Expressions of interest are required by the closing date of 12 January 2026 and should include:

• An outline of your interest in statistical methodology.
• Your CV.
• Academic transcripts.

The selected candidate will be supported to submit a formal application for a PhD scholarship. Scholarship application results will be announced by 27 March 2026, and the PhD programme will commence in April 2026 or later, depending on the candidate’s availability.

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Full‑time

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