Postdoctoral Fellow - Psychology

One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities. Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion. Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best.

The School of Psychology at UNSW is the leading Psychology school in Australia. It is located in the Faculty of Science and is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching. It offers world class undergraduate psychology degrees, as well as postgraduate professional Masters training in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, an online Graduate Diploma program, and a PhD research program with over 120 students. 40 academic staff conduct experimental research in many areas of Psychology, including behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, perception, learning, memory and cognition, as well as health, social, developmental, clinical and forensic psychology. UNSW Psychology is the only School in the southern hemisphere ranked in the top 30 by discipline in the THES, QS and ARWU rankings. The School has well equipped research and teaching facilities and attracts outstanding staff and students from Australia and overseas. UNSW is located 5 km from the centre of Sydney and is close to other research centres, teaching hospitals, transport, shopping, and beaches.

The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and to develop their research expertise towards the research activities of a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) funded CogCoach project. Led by Professor Kaarin Anstey, this project aims to reduce the risk factors for chronic disease in older adults who experience Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

This position plays a key role in managing and coordinating the project, including the contribution and application of knowledge in SCD and MCI, overseeing participant recruitment, establishment of trial site and protocols, ethics submissions, liaising with stakeholders and collaborators, preparation of reports and contribute to and drafting of research papers and research presentations.

About The Role

• $113k - $121k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2.5 years
• Part time (28 hours)
• The role reports to Professor Kaarin Anstey and has no direct reports.

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Assist in the planning and start-up of the project including research ethics applications, trial registration, equipment purchase, set up online surveys and scheduling, developing lab manuals and procedures.
• Prepare, contribute and manage participant communications, project team meetings, reports in relation to study progress and timeline.
• Oversee data management and storage in line with Good Clinical Practice ensuring integrity in research databases, quality control and ethical standards.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About The Successful Applicant (Selection Criteria)

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have:

• Postgraduate qualifications in psychology (preferably PhD), with a focus on cognitive ageing, epidemiology, and/or dementia.
• Experience with non-pharmacological clinical trials conducted in older adults and those with cognitive impairments.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships accompanied by an ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and students whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Experience in supporting the conduct of human clinical trials and an understanding of research protocols, design, planning and experimental methods.
• Experience in participant recruitment, survey design, implementation, data collection and data management.
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including REDCap, Qualtrics or similar survey whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Excellent time management and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact: Kaarin Anstey E: k.anstey@unsw.edu.au Applications close: July 13th, 2025.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.