Project description:One top-up PhD studentship is available on a competitive basis to a suitable candidate for research into the cognitive impairments underlying symptoms of dementia.

Psychiatric symptoms (such as delusions and hallucinations) occur in a large proportion of the ageing population, and often cause a reduction in quality in life in affected individuals. However, there is limited research regarding the neuropsychological deficits associated with these symptoms and the aim of the study will be to advance scientific knowledge in this area.

Details:The successful applicant will be enrolled through the School of Psychology or the School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, at the University of Western Australia. The research will be conducted as part of the North-Metropolitan Area Health Service-Older Adult Mental Health Program.

Supervisors will include Drs Flavie Waters and Romola Bucks (UWA), and Dr Helen McGowan (North-Metropolitan Older Adult Mental Health).

The project would be suitable for a candidate enrolled in a PhD, or a joint PhD/Masters degree starting 2010.

Essential academic qualification includes an undergraduate degree with Honours in psychology or biological/health sciences or a related discipline.

Applicants must also meet standard eligibility criteria for entry to a postgraduate research degree.