Neurophysiological indices of delirium: risk to recovery

About the project 

Develop strategies to identify and prevent delirium  

If you are eager to kickstart your career in clinical cognitive neuroscience and interested in advancing research on delirium, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within the Behaviour-Brain-Body Research Centre (BBB). 

Delirium is characterised by acute and fluctuating impairments in cognition (primarily attention) and arousal. It usually occurs in late-life, with around 25–30% of older adults in hospital experiencing delirium.

Delirium is associated with increased hospitalisation, mortality, cognitive decline, and incident dementia. Delirium risk centres on brain disintegration, yet empirical data are lacking.

Our project will analyse functional brain activity (electroencephalogram/EEG) from older adults prior and after to an elective procedure and link with delirium outcomes. This project is funded by a NHMRC Ideas Grant (2025-8).

Findings have the potential to transform clinical practice, because if we can identify those at high risk of delirium, then we can tailor clinical care and develop prevention strategies. Results will also provide some of the first empirical data testing of neurophysiological theories of delirium.

You will join the dynamic BBB cohort and benefit from a multidisciplinary and collegial environment. Our extensive team of experts will ensure that you are mentored by and learn from world leaders in their field.

Our focus on translating research into real world impact will provide you with the relevant skills, knowledge but also practical application that will position you well post-graduation. Our project will give you valuable experience in analysing large neurophysiological datasets in close collaboration with clinical partners.

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will undertake data EEG collection, processing, analysis and interpretation.

We will guide you in developing articles for peer-reviewed journals and you will have the opportunity to attend and present at academic and clinical conferences and workshops.

Working with a large group of clinician and academic investigators, you will develop a suite of valuable, job-ready skills and abilities. Upon completion, you will be equipped with a practical understanding of clinical cognitive neuroscience. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based within BBB. We are known for our unique approach to building resilient, healthy behaviours. We investigate people through the combined lens of behaviour, brain and body.

Our team of over 30 experts works collaboratively across behavioural change, fatigue and stress management, decision-making and recovery, to predict, prevent, detect and intervene, all with the aim of optimising human function.

At BBB we blend pure research with real world contexts to help our community, government and industry partners tackle their thorniest questions and create solutions that support behavioural resilience and promote healthy functioning.

The enterprising way we engage with our partners pivots on our ability to bring together people with different expertise to solve these big challenges.  Financial Support 

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). 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. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time. 

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. 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 degree in Psychology, Neuroscience or a related field. 
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to work both in a team and independently.
• Experience in quantitative research methods and wanting to learn advanced computational neuroscience methods.

Applicants who can also demonstrate the following will be highly regarded:

• Experience in EEG data collection and analysis. 
• Experience using R or Matlab or other programming languages. 
• Knowledge and experience with computational neuroscience techniques.

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 Magill campus in the east 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 Friday, 27 June, 2025.