ProfessorSarah Maguire

Project Opportunities

Title: PHD PROJECT INVESTIGATING COMMUNITY DIETING IN YOUNG PEOPLE

Summary of opportunity:

We are seeking a high calibre motivated and enthusiastic health researcher to undertake a full time or part-time PhD based at the Charles Perkins Centre at Camperdown Campus and enrolled in a PhD through the University of Sydney School of Medicine. This position will lead a new study with the InsideOut Institute, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, focused on investigating the naturalistic course of dieting in a large nationwide cohort in young people with the aim of identifying psychological, behavioural and biological factors in dieting. This study will run in parallel with a study investigating the gut-brain axis impact of dieting in young people with the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. This portfolio of research initiates a new area of research into the multidimensional causes and maintaining factors of dieting and presents a unique and exciting opportunity for research and growth within a dynamic and active research and clinical team in the field of Eating Disorders.
Projects which may be included within a PhD program include:
-Systematic review to assess the prevalence of dieting behaviours and eating disorders in adolescents
-Management of a large community longitudinal dieting survey
-Clinical evaluation of participants to identify early risk
-Individual participant data meta-analysis to identify individual risk and resilience factors for eating disorder risk
-Contribution of knowledge and insights to the biological arm of research
InsideOut is Australia's national institute for research and clinical excellence in eating disorders. With resources, rigour and perseverance we aim to transform the treatment landscape for eating disorders in this country, and ultimately find a cure.
The Institute comprises a team of expert researchers, clinicians and public policy-makers dedicated to solving the tyranny of eating disorders. We conduct research across a wide breath of inquiry and we have a vibrant Early Career Research program and aim to promote our researchers by supporting presentations, publications and media opportunities.

Opportunity synopsis:

The position will specifically involve project management of the community dieting study and developing other projects in consultation with experienced researchers in the areas of eating disorders, health, clinical care and biological health.
The successful candidate will make a significant contribution to the scientific evidence base that informs clinical practice, gaining experience in collaborative, interdisciplinary research. Skills gained will include project management, ethic and governance management, working with a high level multidisciplinary team, media promotion of research, online data management, clinical evaluation, hypothesis generation, statistical analysis, scientific writing and conference presentations.
The candidate will have the opportunity to gain recognition through publication in international peer-reviewed journals and presentation at scientific meetings locally, nationally and potentially internationally; and will be mentored for exceptional future career opportunities beyond their PhD. This is a unique opportunity to work in a specialised environment working with national and international experts in the fields of eating disorders.

----------Current Research Projects----------

Russell, J, Hunt, G, McGragor, I & Maguire, S. A randomised controlled trial to examine theeffectiveness of oxytocin to improve treatment for anorexia nervosa. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Project. Funding period: 2015-2018. APP1088826Total funding: $402,864

Maguire S, Cunich, M., Lymer, S. Maloney, D., Madden, S.The implementation of evidence-based treatment in the hospital-to-community pathways for children & adolescents with anorexia nervosa; Maguire S; Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)Sydney Health Partners, $150,000

Maguire, S. Development of an eClinic for early assessment, diagnosis and treatment access foreating disorders. NSW Ministry of Health (Development). Funding Period 2016-2018. Total Funding: $531,000

Maguire, S. Workforce Development for Eating Disorders across the health system in NSW. NSW Ministry of Health. Funding Period 2016-2018. Total Funding: $682,900

Maloney, D. & Maguire S. Evaluation of the NSW Service Plan for Eating Disorders NSW Ministry of Health. Funding Period 2017-2018. Total Funding: $150,000

Mond, J, Maguire S., Gill, T., Caterson, I., Rogers, B., Touyz, S., Hay, P,. Elucidating public health messages for prevention of eating disorders and obesity.Macquarie University Research Development Fund, $47,970