Research Associate / Senior Research Associate - Psychology in Cambridge

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate - Psychology in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 36000 - 44000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
UNSW

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct impactful research on refugee mental health and wellbeing.
  • Company: UNSW, a leading Australian university with a vibrant community.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 17% superannuation, and flexible work options.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team in Sydney with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of refugees through innovative research.
  • Qualifications: PhD in Psychology or relevant experience; strong research and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.

  • 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
  • This Job is based in Australia

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

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 Ph D 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.

For further information about the school please visit www. psychology. unsw. edu. au

The Research Associate (Level A)/Senior Research Associate (Level B) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to their particular field of research.

This role is based in the School of Psychology and will support the academic activities undertaken at the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program.

This role will be actively involved in two specific projects – taking a lead role on one project and a supporting role on the other.

These projects comprise (1) a longitudinal research study investigating the psychological and social mechanisms underlying refugee mental health, and how these differ across contexts (i. e., in Australia and Indonesia) and (2) a study investigating efficacy and effectiveness of a scalable skills‑based intervention in improving wellbeing and functioning amongst people with refugee backgrounds.

The role will also assist in research project administration and reporting, data analysis and actively contribute to research outputs and grant applications.

About The Role

  • LEVEL A - $113 - $121 / LEVEL B - $127k - $150k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
  • Fixed Term – Approx. 2 years (to 31 August 2028)
  • Full time (35 hours)

LEVEL A

Specific responsibilities for this role include

  • Contribute independently or as a team member in conducting collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area and to enable research teams to create scholarly output.
  • 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.
  • Develop and maintain well‑organised, efficient systems of scheduling, communication, file organisation and documentation of both meetings and study procedures and train project staff in their use.

Embed these systems into day‑to‑day research operations to ensure high quality, compliant, and consistent data collection.

  • Coordinate multi‑site research studies, including managing recruitment, screening, scheduling, tracking, and following up participants, and independently identifying and resolving issues surrounding participation rates.
  • Coordinate project meetings and oversee the smooth running of research projects, ensuring adherence to study protocols and that project milestones and outcomes are met.
  • Oversee translation and back‑translation of measures into study languages.
  • Engage with the Partner Organization and other stakeholders, including academic partners, non‑government organizations and refugee‑led organizations
  • Deliver or support training in Problem Management‑Plus to facilitators from refugee backgrounds
  • Oversee administration of survey measures and/or assessments to study participants
  • Oversee the implementation of experimental research sessions with study participants.
  • Data management including coordinating and executing data cleaning, data management processes and ensuring research integrity in research databases.
  • Assist with research duties related to the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program at the School of Psychology, UNSW as required.
  • 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.

LEVEL B

  • (in addition to the above)
  • Create scholarly impact in the discipline which is recognised by peers in the advancement of disciplinary knowledge.
  • Contribute to the development of applications for competitive funding under the guidance of senior colleagues.
  • Design and conduct research projects under limited supervision, either independently or as member of a collaborative team.
  • Establish a personal research portfolio and start developing independent research proposals.
  • Mentor and guide students and colleagues and develop the next generation of academics through involvement in supervision of HDRs (as per the norms of the discipline).
  • About The Successful Applicant (Selection Criteria)

LEVEL A

  • A Ph D in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
  • Excellent organisational skills, including an ability to undertake a range of diverse tasks, to work independently, accurately, and with attention to detail and to deliver high quality work on time.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and levels of seniority.
  • Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
  • Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
  • 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.

Non-essential, but preferred: o Completed clinical training as a registered psychologist or clinical psychologist

  • Demonstrated experience in working on longitudinal research studies and/or randomized controlled trials.
  • Demonstrated experience in providing training in cognitive behavioural or similar therapeutic modalities.
  • Demonstrated experience in recruiting and/or retaining participants into research studies.

Demonstrated experience in working with people from refugee or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

  • 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.

LEVEL B

  • Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
  • A track record of significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.
  • Demonstrated track record of ability to attract external research funding.
  • Demonstrated track record of ability to oversee junior research staff and/or supervise students.
  • Applications close: August 6th, 2026
  • Find Out More About Working At UNSW At Www. unsw. edu. au

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.

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Research Associate / Senior Research Associate - Psychology in Cambridge employer: UNSW

UNSW is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises equity and diversity. As a part-time Research Associate at The Kirby Institute, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research that impacts public health while collaborating with leading experts in a supportive environment. With a focus on employee growth and development, UNSW provides unique advantages such as flexible hybrid working arrangements and access to cutting-edge resources.

UNSW

Contact Details:

UNSW Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Associate / Senior Research Associate - Psychology in Cambridge

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Apply Directly Through Our Website

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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate / Senior Research Associate - Psychology in Cambridge

PhD in Psychology or related discipline
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Written Communication Skills
Verbal Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Research Methodology

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!

Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!

Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at UNSW connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!

Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!

How to prepare for a job interview at UNSW

Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories

Before stepping into the interview with UNSW, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.

Bring Real-Life Case Studies

Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.

Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines

Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and UNSW will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.

Showcase Your Continuous Learning

Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows UNSW that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.