At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research in mental health, chronic pain, and spinal cord injury.
- Company: UNSW, a top-tier Australian university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through impactful research.
- Qualifications: PhD in a related field and proven research experience.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 140000 £ per year.
About UNSW
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.
About the School of Psychology
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.
Position: Senior Research Fellow (Level C)
Level: C. Fixed-term – 3 years. Part-time (17.5 hours). Salary: $155k - $178k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading. Reports to Professor Sylvia Gustin. No direct reports.
About The Role
The Senior Research Fellow is expected to make independent and original contributions to the research program of the NeuroRecovery Research Hub and to actively conduct research in the areas of mental health, chronic pain and spinal cord injury. The Fellow will apply their research expertise within the NeuroRecovery Research Hub and relevant interdisciplinary areas and is expected to play a major role in research, including providing leadership in the design, execution and advancement of research activities.
Specific Responsibilities
- Make independent contributions to research that have a significant impact in the field of chronic pain, mental health and spinal cord injury and create an inter/nationally recognised research track record in this field.
- Undertake independent research in chronic pain, mental health and spinal cord injury, making an independent contribution through professional practice and expertise.
- Develop research groups in area of chronic pain, mental health and spinal cord injury expertise and neuroimaging research methods that are appropriate to the discipline.
- Attract peer recognition and establish research network/s (based on the norms of the discipline) at national level.
- Obtain research income from nationally competitive research grants (and/or research fellowships) and research end-users as a member or leader, at or above the level that is relevant to the discipline in leading universities.
- Mentor and guide students, groups, and colleagues; supervise HDRs to timely completion as primary supervisor; and contribute to HDR review panels.
- Lead/chair international working groups in the field of chronic pain, spinal cord injury and mental health.
- Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
- Ensure hazards and risks are identified and controlled for tasks, projects and activities that pose a health and safety risk within your area of responsibility.
About The Successful Applicant
Selection Criteria:
- A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
- Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
- Demonstrated a neuroimaging track record in the field of spinal cord injury, chronic pain and mental health 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.
- Demonstrated use of the major neuroimaging softwares for both brain and spine imaging data.
- Advanced expertise in brain and spinal cord neuroimaging techniques, including use of state-of-the-art processing and analysis software (e.g., FreeSurfer, FSL, SCT, SPM, MRtrix, HALFpipe).
- Demonstrated leadership in running multisite, multinational imaging working groups (e.g., ENIGMA) in the field of chronic pain, mental health and spinal cord injury, including expert knowledge of data harmonisation.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
- Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
- 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.
Contact
Professor Sylvia Gustin
Email: s.gustin@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: March 17th, 2026.
About Working at UNSW
Find Out More About Working At UNSW: www.unsw.edu.au
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
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.
Senior Research Fellow - Psychology in Edinburgh employer: UNSW
UNSW is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant campus life and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place for those passionate about research and teaching in psychology. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from flexible work options and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to impactful research in mental health and spinal cord injury within a world-class institution located just 5 km from the heart of Sydney.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Fellow - Psychology in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at UNSW, especially in the School of Psychology. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into their research areas. Show us you’re not just a fit on paper but genuinely passionate about chronic pain and mental health research.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your past research and how it aligns with UNSW’s goals. We want to see your enthusiasm and how you can contribute to their projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow the process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Fellow - Psychology in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific responsibilities and selection criteria mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our research programme!
Showcase Your Research Impact:When detailing your research experience, focus on the impact of your work in chronic pain, mental health, and spinal cord injury. We love seeing evidence of high-quality outcomes and how you've made a difference in your field.
Address the Selection Criteria:Systematically address each selection criterion listed in the position description. This is your chance to shine, so be clear and concise about how you meet each requirement. We’re looking for that perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNSW
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and how it aligns with the NeuroRecovery Research Hub's focus areas. Be ready to discuss your past projects, methodologies, and outcomes, especially in chronic pain and mental health.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led research teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring students and collaborating across disciplines, as this role requires strong leadership in research activities.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Neuroimaging Techniques
Brush up on the major neuroimaging software mentioned in the job description, like FreeSurfer and MRtrix. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools and how they’ve contributed to your research outcomes.
✨Align with UNSW’s Values
Understand UNSW's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Be ready to share how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to a positive and inclusive research environment.
