Return to Work after Breast Cancer

Optimising Return to Work in Women with Breast Cancer: Supporting Women and Employers

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

Financial toxicity, or the financial impact of the treatment of cancer, is a growing issue for people affected by cancer. The impact of cancer on employment can be significant. People with cancer in rural and regional areas may experience additional challenges.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for women in many countries, and improved survival rates mean many women are living longer after breast cancer. Return to work is an important issue for women who have survived breast cancer. In addition, although employers play critical roles in supporting people with cancer to maintain or return to work, research on this topic is comparatively limited. Given differences across countries in employment and social support systems, Australian-specific research is needed to develop appropriate interventions.

We therefore propose the following project: 1) a literature review and evaluation of studies focusing on return to work from the perspective of women with breast cancer and employers; 2) the evaluation of perspective of survivors regarding return to work and work engagement during treatment; 3) an assessment of employer needs to support return to work for employees affected by breast cancer.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Jessica Roydhouse

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Minimum entry requirements in Science, Health Science, Public Health, Psychology or a related field
  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Jessica Roydhouse to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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