The Path to Persistence: Investigating Predictive Markers of Post-Concussion Symptoms

About the research project

Concussion is one of the most common forms of traumatic brain injury, affecting more than 166 million people worldwide each year. While many individuals recover within weeks, nearly half experience symptoms that persist for months or even years. These symptoms impact multiple domains including cognition, mood, and overall quality of life. These persistent post-concussion symptoms represent a major global health challenge, yet clinicians currently have no reliable way to predict who will develop them. Diagnosis remains subjective, and treatment pathways are inconsistent, leaving millions without targeted care.

This PhD project aims to transform concussion management by developing objective, biologically grounded tools to predict persistent symptoms. The research will integrate clinical and pre-clinical datasets to provide a comprehensive understanding of concussion biology and its long-term consequences. By combining insights from advanced laboratory models with real-world patient data, this project will address three critical questions:

1. What biological changes drive persistent symptoms after concussion? Using sophisticated preclinical models that closely replicate human concussion, the project will investigate how brain responses—particularly neuroinflammation, microglial activation, and cellular signaling—contribute to prolonged recovery. These findings will be compared with clinical data to validate relevance to human pathology.
2. Can blood biomarkers predict who is at risk? The project will employ cutting-edge molecular techniques, including proteomics and advanced analytics, to identify blood-based biomarkers associated with persistent symptoms. Clinical samples from concussion patients will be analyzed alongside preclinical data to discover robust, translatable biomarkers that can form the basis of a simple, non-invasive diagnostic test.
3. How can these discoveries improve patient care? Findings will be translated into practical diagnostic strategies that enable personalised care and equitable access for all patients, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status. This work will help close the gap between research and real-world clinical practice.

The impact of this research is profound. By identifying individuals at risk early, clinicians can provide targeted interventions, improve recovery outcomes, and reduce the long-term burden of concussion on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. This project will lay the foundation for a future where concussion diagnosis is precise, recovery is supported, and no patient is left behind.

You will work within one of Australia’s leading brain injury research groups, gaining access to advanced laboratory facilities, clinical collaborations, and mentorship from an experienced supervisor with a proven track record in graduate research training.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Jenna Ziebell

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 funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 for 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.

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.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

We seek a motivated student with a background in neuroscience, biomedical science, or a related discipline. Experience in molecular biology, neurotrauma research, or data analysis is advantageous but not essential. The candidate will join a nationally recognised research team with strong expertise in neurotrauma and translational science.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Jenna Ziebell 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 October 2026.

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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