Project summary
This project will evaluate a culturally grounded sleep–mental health program designed to reduce the risk and severity of mental health issues among First Nations children in school settings. Delivered by trained Sleep Coaches and First Nations health staff, the program aims to improve sleep knowledge, support behaviour change, and strengthen wellbeing.
The study will recruit children in grades 3–6 from ten schools across regional, rural, and remote Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. Using a pre- and post-evaluation design, the project will assess clinical, behavioural, and quality-of-life outcomes using validated measures such as actigraphy, the Strong Souls questionnaire, and the What Matters 2 Kids wellbeing instrument.
Process and outcome evaluations will identify the program’s acceptability, scalability, and effectiveness. Findings will inform the development of sustainable sleep–mental health programs in school and community settings.
Applications close
7 August 2026 11:55pm
To complete an application you will need to create an account and login to the HDR scholarships portal.
Position summary
The PhD candidate will join a multidisciplinary team working to implement and evaluate an evidence-based sleep–mental health program for First Nations children. The position will involve community engagement, data collection and analysis, program evaluation, and dissemination of findings through reports, publications, and community presentations.
The successful candidate will be supervised by leading researchers in Indigenous sleep health and mental health promotion and will receive mentorship in mixed-methods research, implementation science, and effectiveness evaluation. The role offers opportunities to collaborate with schools, health services, and community partners across multiple states and to contribute directly to improving child wellbeing outcomes.
Eligibility and ideal candidate
Must be a domestic candidate - Australia Citizen, New Zealand Citizen or Australian permanent resident.
The ideal candidate will be a motivated, culturally responsive, and community-focused researcher with a passion for improving the wellbeing of First Nations children. They will demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and cross-cultural research environments. Strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills are essential.
A background or strong interest in sleep science, mental health, or Indigenous health promotion will be highly valued. The candidate should also demonstrate adaptability, cultural humility, and a commitment to conducting research that privileges community voices and leads to tangible, positive change.
Inclusions
Package to support a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate
- Stipend value of A$38,000 p/a tax free paid in fortnightly instalments.
- Tuition offset scholarship for 3 years to cover cost of tuition fees - minimum value of A$84,000
- A$2,000 allowance for relocation per scholarship conditions
Package is for 3 years to align with thesis submission (possible extension in line with relevant policies and procedures)
For more information
Contact Fatima Yaqoot:
- Email: fyaqoot@usc.edu.au