Research Supervisor Connect

Adolescent Risk Behaviours and Wellbeing

Summary

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic researcher to undertake a PhD focused on adolescent health risk behaviours and wellbeing.

This opportunity is based at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney, a flagship centre dedicated to the prevention and early intervention of mental health and substance use problems.

As part of the Healthy Lifestyles team, led by Dr Katrina Champion, the successful candidate will contribute to a growing body of research aimed at reducing adolescent risk behaviours (e.g. vaping, risky alcohol use, poor sleep, screen time) and improving mental wellbeing through digital and school-based approaches. Our research is interdisciplinary and policy-relevant, with strong potential for real-world impact.

Supervisor

Dr Katrina Champion.

Research location

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use

Synopsis

Potential PhD projects include:

  • Applying a novel methodological framework (the Multiphase Optimisation Strategy) to optimise and evaluate a digital parent-based intervention to improve the health of adolescents experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.
  • Establishing a new cohort study in Australian high schools to evaluate how changes in school prevention programs/policies relate to changes in adolescent risk behaviours.
  • Analysis of existing large-scale datasets (e.g. national surveys, longitudinal studies) to investigate patterns, predictors, and outcomes related to adolescent risk behaviours and mental health.

These projects offer flexibility and can be tailored to align with the candidate’s interests and expertise.

Additional information

Prospective students should email Dr Champion (katrina.champion@sydney.edu.au) directly to discuss potential research supervision in these areas.

Want to find out more?

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3650