51³Ô¹Ï

What you'll investigate

The project will develop a deeper understanding of the energy expenditure and nutritional requirements of elite Olympic and Paralympic endurance track cyclists.

The research will focus on answering meaningful questions that contribute to system knowledge, and the specific nutritional preparation of cyclists for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

The project is a collaboration between 51³Ô¹Ï, AusCycling and South Australian Sports Institute (SASI).

The successful candidate will be located primarily in Adelaide to contribute to the AusCycling and SASI programs within the Australian High Performance sports system. Candidates will also spend time at the Melbourne 51³Ô¹Ï campus to interact with their academic supervisory team (Dr Jamie Whitfield and Professor Louise Burke), and to make use of specialised research resources at 51³Ô¹Ï.

Scholarship package

The successful applicant will be awarded a scholarship package consisting of:

* International candidates only

Your research community

Principal supervisor

Dr. Jamie Whitfield

Dr. Jamie Whitfield is a senior lecturer and exercise physiologist with a primary research focus on the regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism during exercise. His research utilises complementary cell, rodent, and human models to address central questions related to physiology and nutrition. Currently his work is focused on determining how altering nutrient availability impacts skeletal muscle metabolism, and whether it can promote or inhibit training adaptation and, ultimately, human performance capacity.

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Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Research at the Faculty of Health Sciences is driven by a commitment to improving health outcomes and advancing evidence-based practice across diverse communities. With a strong interdisciplinary focus, our researchers collaborate across nursing, allied health, public health, and biomedical sciences to address pressing health challenges locally and globally.

Visit the faculty research website

Affiliation

Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research

Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research (MMIHR) aims to address critical public health issues by identifying and responding with innovative programs that deliver better health outcomes and transform lives.

MMIHR brings national and international health experts together with leading organisations across a broad portfolio of health-related research areas. By fostering an environment of collaborative research, without discipline-based boundaries, the impact MMIHR can make is profound and extensive.

Our team of prominent researchers are driven to improve the quality of health interventions through research that tests and improves the effectiveness of existing health-related programs, health service delivery and health education, and community planning and design.

Our research enables us to develop and shape individual, social and community programs based on a rigorous analysis and synthesis of observational and experimental data, from the molecular to societal level.

Visit the MMIHR website

Centre for Human Metabolism and Performance

The Centre for Human Metabolism and Performance (CHaMP) performs research directed at maximising health benefits of both diet and exercise using a holistic approach that considers molecular, cellular and whole-body physiology.

Visit the CHaMP website

Industry partners

Through a combined Centre of Excellence partnership, AusCycling and the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) work collaboratively to support cyclists health and performance goals through high performance coaching, performance support, access to world class facilities in the lead up to Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games.

Australian Cycling

AusCycling is the National Governing body for Cycling in Australia. We represent all disciplines and participants at every step of their riding journey from grassroots to elite. AusCycling represents more than 50,000 members and 450 clubs and proudly runs the High Performance program which takes our Australian elite athletes to the Olympics, Paralympics, World and National Championships and more.

Our ambition is to be a global leader in cycling, respected for our positive impact on and off the bike. We exist to ensure that current and future generations experience both the simple joy of riding a bike, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

South Australian Sports Institute (SASI)

The South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) is laying the foundations and defining pathways for our nation's future athletes. Here, we ignite passion, unlock potential and facilitate growth with innovative training methods, cutting edge resources, genuine care and belief. But more than an elite sports organisation, we're a selfless community of sporting leads and mentors striving for everyone to be their best.

SASI supports South Australian athletes to achieve their sporting dreams through empowering athletes to win the right way and investing in and implementing targeted world leading practices to contribute to National team success.

How to apply

Applications close: Monday 13 July 2026, 11:59 pm AEST

Step 1: Assess your eligibility

Eligibility

Before you apply, confirm you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• This opportunity is open to domestic and international applicants.
• The eligibility criteria for the PhD program at 51³Ô¹Ï can be found in the .
• The eligibility criteria for research scholarships can be found in the .

Requirements

In addition to the eligibility criteria, the successful applicant should have:

• Accreditation as a dietitian (i.e., APD, AccSD or equivalent) - Desirable
• A strong interest in sport science, nutrition, or data science
• Experience working with athletes
• Interest in applied, embedded research with the Australian National Institutes Network

Conditions

By applying, you acknowledge and accept the following conditions:

• The scholarship package is subject to satisfactory progress and full-time study mode.
• The scholarship conditions align with the .
• The successful applicant will be required to assign their intellectual property (IP) to 51³Ô¹Ï as a condition of enrolment.

Step 2: Express your interest

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Jamie Whitfield prior to applying for the PhD program and scholarship, to express their interest and discuss the project in detail.

Email: jamie.whitfield@acu.edu.au

Step 3: Submit your application

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit all documentation required for an application to the PhD program at 51³Ô¹Ï, as detailed in the How to Apply instructions, plus:

• A CV outlining relevant academic and practical experience; and
• A cover letter detailing demonstrated interest and/or experience in the program of research described.

When completing the PhD application form, please indicate that you are also applying for a stipend scholarship and include the name of this project "Powering Podiums: exploring the energy demands and nutrition practices driving elite Olympic endurance cycling success".