PhD Scholarship: Revolutionising iron deficiency detection (STRIKE)

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Iron deficiency is a common condition in female athletes and negatively impacts health, performance and recovery. Accessibility to and accuracy of iron measurements is crucial for identifying at risk females, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by iron deficiency. As such, 'Strike While the Iron is Hot': Revolutionising iron deficiency detection to elevate athlete performance and health ('STRIKE') aims to advance quantum sensing technologies for iron measurement and provide rapid and precise detection of iron deficiency in female athletes to support their training, performance, and health. This project serves to enhance our understanding of iron deficiency and the linked individual and health implications of iron deficiency in adult women, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, whilst validating the advanced measure of Iron status using quantum technology across invasive (blood) and non-invasive (saliva) means. This will not only promote performance outcomes but improve public health through culturally sensitive healthcare solutions. Griffith University is seeking to appoint a PhD Scholar to join the Griffith Sports Science team. The Scholar will have scope to develop a thesis aligned with their field of interest, alongside conducting research on iron measurement using quantum technology as part of the project 'Strike While the Iron is Hot': Revolutionising Iron Deficiency Detection to Enhance Athlete Performance and Health (STRIKE) . The three-year candidature will be based at the Griffith University, with the option to spend time at the University of Melbourne Parkville campus to be trained by world-leaders in quantum sensing technology at UniMelb and FeBI. The scholar will work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes and communities to deepen insights into iron status, training demands, and the influence of remoteness, ultimately informing more tailored management approaches in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, this offers a unique chance to help shape the global legacy of sports technology while supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes on their performance journey. The selection of the applicant for the award of a Higher Degree Research Scholarship at Griffith University is based on academic merit and research background. To be successful in this role, you will need to: Work collaboratively with the research team, to fulfil the aim of STRIKE in revolutionising the detection and management of iron deficiency in female athletes using ultrasensitive quantum sensing technology. Option to learn quantum technology skills necessary for data collection and analysis. Conduct laboratory/fieldwork/research that contributes to the research objectives. Contribute to the preparation and formulation of publications, presentations and research reports arising from the research. Be a leading example of the principles and values embodied in the University's Code of Conduct, and behave, act, and always communicate to reflect fairness, ethics and professionalism. Develop a publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Be a domestic applicant and identify as being of Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander descent. Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelor's degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Master's degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure . For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here . Desirable criteria Demonstrated experience in exercise science, physics and/or physical biosciences. Demonstrated high level interpersonal skills as well as verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimal supervision to meet competing deadlines. High-level organisational and time-management skills and a demonstrated capacity to bring projects to timely completion. Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Interest in female athlete health and performance. About the scholarship The 2026 Griffith University Indigenous Australian Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUIAPRS) has an annual stipend of $55,379 (indexed) for a period of up to three and a half years of full-time study. Please see the GUIAPRS Conditions of Award for more information. What Griffith offers As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development

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