Explore the effect of shark liver oil (SLO) on wellbeing, cardiovascular and cognitive health

About this project

Evaluate the health benefits of shark liver oil

If you are motivated to build a career in the health industry and are concerned about the cardiovascular and cognitive health of older adults, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), in partnership with Ocean Oils Australia and CSIRO.  

This project will explore the effect of shark liver oil (SLO) on wellbeing, cardiovascular and cognitive health, and explore whether SLO residue containing alkylglycerols and squalene, can improve cardiovascular risk factors, cognition and wellbeing in older adults.  

This project will take a by-product from a waste/by-catch fishery and evaluate its potential health benefits. With scientifically substantiated evidence, we will aim to value-add to this new Australian-derived product. We have anecdotal evidence from n=100 users of the SLO, reporting benefits to sleep, blood pressure, pain and overall wellbeing. This has not yet been further substantiated in clinical trials. With evidence from robust clinical trials, we will have scientifically substantiated evidence to demonstrate that SLO is effective in preventing or treating conditions. We are interested in inflammation and pain, overall wellbeing and mood and cardiovascular health. We have the potential to prevent these conditions and diseases and treat symptoms of these conditions or diseases. 

What you’ll do:  

This project is funded under the CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) which is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. The program aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.  

In this project-based research degree, you will undertake a literature review, develop the study protocols, submit ethics applications, and register the trials. You will then conduct the clinical trials using the state-of-the-art clinical trial facility and perform required laboratory analyses in the City East Labs and oversee/be involved with partner laboratory analyses.  

To support the practical aspects of the project, you will undertake the industry engagement component with Ocean Oils at their Laverton site in Victoria. You will experience how the product is collected and refined, how it is manufactured and packaged and distributed. Further you will gain first-hand experience of how a business is conducted, participate in company meetings, and further develop professional skills by working with employees and the managing director. The student will have the opportunity to work with Ocean Oils to understand the regulatory standards and the process of taking product to market. 

You will also spend time in Canberra with CSIRO undertaking laboratory analyses and have the opportunity to attend conferences to present your research and publish peer reviewed international publications. 

Where you’ll be based: 

You’ll be based in the ARENA research centre. ARENA investigates the role of exercise, nutrition and other lifestyle activities in improving clinical and health outcomes. Physical, psychological and sports performance in populations is studied across a wide cross-section of society, ranging from children to elite athletes and people with chronic disease. 

Our research focus ‘Healthy lives through healthy living’ centres around the grand challenge of tackling the growing epidemic of chronic diseases. We focus on real-world issues and bring bold ideas to create solutions which optimise health, function and wellbeing. 

Our mission is to be the leading Australian voice on a global stage by championing research in exercise, nutrition, preventative health and other lifestyle behaviours across the lifespan. 

We work with diverse research partners, end-users and our communities to identify and evaluate solutions, and translate these outcomes into products and changes in policy and practice. 

The student will be part of a research team with expertise in chemistry, clinical trials and nutrition and will be located with other higher degree students. They will also have the opportunity to be trained in all aspects of dietary intervention trials including clinic visits and laboratory work and liaising with the public and participate in group meetings and research presentations within ARENA at UniSA. Financial Support

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $47,000 per annum is available to Australian or New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $50,291 per annum (2024 rates). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information for domestic students or international students.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. Additionally, applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Hold an Honours or Master degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Science, Nutrition or a related field
• Strong communication skills
• Experience in a laboratory setting and an understanding of clinical trials

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City East campus in the heart of Adelaide.

Essential Dates

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Sunday 17 November 2024.