PhD Studentship in Psychology / Computational Neuroscience

Project: Expanding the body perception box in adolescent girls

Cairnmillar Institute, Melbourne

The Cairnmillar Institute invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship to investigate how the brain constructs body image and how these processes may be altered in individuals with body image disturbance. The successful candidate will use experimental, computational, and virtual reality (VR) methods to explore and model these mechanisms and contribute to the development of a novel VR-based intervention to improve body image and wellbeing in young people.

This studentship forms part of a major international project, involving collaborations with researchers at the University of Melbourne, University College London (UCL), and the University of York.

 

Applicant profile:
Candidates should hold (or expect to obtain) a first-class Honours or master’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, or a related discipline. Strong analytical and research skills, an interest in body image or mental health, and motivation to develop new interdisciplinary methods are essential.

Funding: Full tuition waiver (up to 4 years – approximately AUD $31,752.00 total domestic fee waiver) and living stipend (currently AUD $39,655 per annum for up to 3 years).
Start date: Early 2026 (flexible).
Enquiries: Associate Professor Paul Jenkinson – [email protected]

Application closing date: 24th December 2025

To apply:
Please email your CV along with a brief statement outlining reasons for applying, relevant experience, knowledge and skills to [email protected].

Please refer to the full Position Description for detailed responsibilities and requirements.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. A Police Check and Working with Children Check will be required from the successful applicant as a condition of employment.

 

About the Cairnmillar Institute

Established over 60 years ago, The Cairnmillar Institute is a not-for-profit organisation solely focused on advancing better mental health through education, research, and treatment in psychology, counselling and psychotherapy.

Cairnmillar is now one of the largest trainers of postgraduate psychologists and counsellors in Australia.

In addition to our educational programs, we offer a range of clinical services across four clinic sites (North Melbourne, Hawthorn East, Dandenong, and CBD) and via telehealth.

We pride ourselves in offering a flexible and collegial workplace with a strong focus on wellbeing, inclusion, and professional growth.

 

 

 

 

 

Aboriginal flagTorres Strait Islanders flag

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which The Cairnmillar Institute is located, and we pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We also extend these respects to any First Nations peoples engaging with these materials, and our services

Sometimes in life there’s lots of things goin’ on that can be hard and trying, or easy and happy, but my artwork gives me strength to see out the bad times. This is my Country before colonisation. The lines are like a map representing how our people shaped the Country with their spiritual connections told in songs and stories. The blue water and the red oxide land show my journey line with places I’ve stopped along the way. The small linear patches of dots are all the different mobs and families around Country. The brown patterns and shapes are mountain ridges and waterholes representing time past. The diamond patterns are from patterns on our old shields. Their colours represent connection to culture and the red dirt and many coloured sands that make up our beautiful Country. The group of Elders sitting with their spears are telling stories of Bunjil the eagle, our Creator, and passing down their knowledge of tracking and hunting. The goannas are my Ancestors watching, mesmerised, over their Country and culture.

Ash Thomas Yorta Yorta/Wiradjuri people There's a Lot Goin' On, 2025

Sometimes in life there’s lots of things goin’ on that can be hard and trying, or easy and happy, but my artwork gives me strength to see out the bad times. This is my Country before colonisation. The lines are like a map representing how our people shaped the Country with their spiritual connections told in songs and stories. The blue water and the red oxide land show my journey line with places I’ve stopped along the way. The small linear patches of dots are all the different mobs and families around Country. The brown patterns and shapes are mountain ridges and waterholes representing time past. The diamond patterns are from patterns on our old shields. Their colours represent connection to culture and the red dirt and many coloured sands that make up our beautiful Country. The group of Elders sitting with their spears are telling stories of Bunjil the eagle, our Creator, and passing down their knowledge of tracking and hunting. The goannas are my Ancestors watching, mesmerised, over their Country and culture.

Torch logo 1 CMYK

This artwork was created through The Torch, a not-for-profit organisation that provides art, cultural and arts industry support to First Nations people currently in, or recently released, from Victorian prisons.