Research synthesis and meta-research on the impacts of PFAS environmental pollutants on human and wildlife health

PHD OPPORTUNITY IN META-RESEARCH AND RESEARCH SYNTHESIS

We have a fully funded position available jointly at Inter-Disciplinary Ecology and Evolution Lab (I-DEEL: http://www.i-deel.org/) within Evolution & Ecology Research Centre at UNSW (http://www.eerc.unsw.edu.au/)

The position comes with $42,000 per year stipend for 3.5 years (USNW scholarship + top-up). It is open to both Australian and international applicants.

Given the generous stipend, applicants are expected to be very competitive. We expect them to have at least one peer-reviewed publication or an equivalent publication, or experience which demonstrates their outstanding abilities.

Project title: Research synthesis and meta-research on the impacts of PFAS environmental pollutants on human and wildlife health

Background: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that are found in our environments, posing a health risk to wildlife and human populations. They were subject to numerous empirical studies and also secondary studies (i.e. systematic reviews and meta-analyses). The project endeavours to synthesize both primary and secondary literature on PFAS impacts on human and animal health. Further, this project will evaluate the evidence quality and research practices through the lends of meta-science.

This project is a computer-based project. The PhD candidate will be trained in meta-analytic procedures and is likely to become an expert in meta-analysis and systematic reviews through this project. More specifically, the candidate will learn database management, data searching techniques, text mining, multilevel statistical modelling and statistical and computational simulations. In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to the development of evidence reviews, methodology and guidelines via this project. 

Candidate: BSc or MSc in biological or environmental sciences with strong quantitative skills or BSc(Hons) or MSc in statistical or computer sciences. We will provide training for all aspects of research synthesis (e.g., systematic review and meta-analysis).

Supervisory Team:

Prof Shinichi Nakagawa (http://www.i-deel.org/)

Dr Malgorzata Lagisz (https://mlagisz.weebly.com/)