Strength and conditioning and physical development within youth student athletes

• Full-time for 3.5 years
• Commencing second half of 2024

The successful applicant will be awarded:

• An ACU PhD Stipend Scholarship of $32,192 per annum (indexed annually); plus
• A $10,000 per annum Top-up Scholarship from St Jospeh’s Nudgee College; and
• An ACU Tuition Fee Scholarship valued at c. $30,000 per annum.
• A single Overseas Student Health Care Policy and a Relocation Allowance (up to $2,000) for international candidates.

Subject to satisfactory progress and full-time study mode for 3.5 years.

Based at ACU's Brisbane campus and St Joseph’s Nudgee College.

The successful candidate will be embedded within the St Joseph’s Nudgee College environment and will work alongside the school in helping to implement a world-leading strength and conditioning program to support the physical development of student athletes while completing their research.

St Joseph’s Nudgee College was established in 1891 and is one of the oldest continuing Catholic boys’ boarding schools in Australia. More than 1,700 young men from Years 5 to 12, including more than 300 boarders, call Nudgee College their school. Our vision is for our young men to strive in the spiritual, academic, social, personal, cultural, and sporting aspects of life to become Signum Fidei - 'Signs of Faith' for the world.

The College's all-inclusive co-curricular program encompasses a wide range of sporting and cultural activities. Whether boys are looking for a high-performance environment, want to hone their craft, or simply love an activity and wish to participate, everyone can find a place to nurture their passions and strengths. The College is a member school of the Queensland Greater Public Schools (GPS) Association and runs several clubs to round out a comprehensive activities program.

The successful applicants’ supervisory team will include:

• Dr Jonathon Weakley
• Assoc. Prof. Ryan Timmins
• Assoc. Prof. Rich Johnston
• Prof. Kevin Till
• Mr Trent Hacking

PhD program

• This opportunity is open to domestic and international applicants.
• The eligibility criteria for the PhD program at ACU can be found in the Higher Degree Research Regulations. 

Essential requirements

The scholarship is available for a high-performing candidate with:

• a strong interest in strength and conditioning, resistance training, and long-term athlete development;
• a particular interest in working with youth across a range of sports;
• experience working with athletes;
• excellent English written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable skills

• Experience in writing publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Experience with technology associated with strength and conditioning (e.g., force plates)
• An exercise and sports science, physiotherapy, clinical exercise physiology, or engineering background.