Research Associate/Research Fellow in Lifespan and Brain Health Research

• Full time, 12 months fixed term with possible extension pending further funding
• Research Associate/Research Fellow within the Matilda Centre located in Camperdown campus
• Base Salary Level A $105,350 –$112,462 or Level B $118,390-$140,586+ 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use provides a world-first synergy of leading prevention, early intervention and treatment research and translation programs in substance use and mental disorders. The Matilda Centre brings together researchers in broad fields to share skills, integrate data, and harness new technologies to develop and trial innovative prevention, early intervention and treatment programs for substance use and mental disorders, and their risk factors. The Centre is now developing its capacity to complement and extend its work with methods and techniques informed by neuroscience through the incorporation of neuroimaging data as: 1) units of observation in epidemiological studies; and 2) outcomes in clinical trial research. Associate Professor Louise Mewton is Program Lead in Lifespan and Brain Health Research at the Matilda Centre and is currently growing her team of researchers to develop a program with specialist skills in the analysis of large-scale neuroimaging data.

This is an exciting opportunity for either a Research Associate or Research Fellow to contribute to our growing program of research focusing on Lifespan and Brain Health Research. The project is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH; R01 AA030575, MPIs: Dr. Louise Mewton and Lindsay Squeglia) and is led by an international team of researchers focusing on understanding the neurobiological risks and consequences of alcohol use in adolescence and across the lifespan. The role will involve rigorous secondary data analysis of large-scale neuroimaging datasets from around the world [e.g., Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, UK Biobank, National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence and Adulthood (NCANDA-A), IMAGEN] to address novel research questions regarding alcohol use and brain health across the lifespan. The incumbent will be supported to achieve and maintain state-of-the-art statistical analysis of human neuroimaging and behavioural data using sophisticated techniques. They will work directly with a high performing, international team of senior and postdoctoral researchers, as well as postgraduate students.

A cover letter addressing the ‘About you’ selection criteria is required for consideration for this position.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

Research Associate (Academic - Level A and B)

• manage, process, and analyse complex, high dimensional neuroimaging and behavioural data, ensuring data quality and adherence to timelines
• establish data pipelines for processing and analysis of neuroimaging and behavioural data
• communicate findings in visual representations, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and to the public more widely
• develop and refine research skills and an independent research program under the supervision of senior academic staff
• maintain quality, standards and excellence in any research activities and output
• establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders including peers, senior academics, and professional staff
• undertake administrative tasks primarily related to the activities of the discipline.

Additional responsibilities for Research Fellow (Academic – Level B)

• has a deep understanding of methods to analyse complex neuroimaging data sets for the purpose of extracting and applying applicable information
• designs and evaluates statistical models and reproducible data processing pipelines with experience of best practices in modern statistical methods, including e.g. latent variable modelling, data reduction, machine learning, and statistical inference
• ability to develop novel solutions to unanticipated problems, working closely with the investigator team to deal with emergent issues
• supervise junior researchers
• undertake original research (either independently or as part of a team) within field or area of expertise
• contributes and coordinates to the research and administration activities of the discipline
• assist with future grant applications and supervision of PhD students

About you

Research Associate

• holds a PhD or has submitted documents for examination of PhD in Public Health, Psychology, Data Science or a closely related field
• demonstrated understanding and experience of the analysis of neuroimaging and behavioural data, and methodologies within the field
• experience with open-source approach using R (programming language) and/or Python, as well as database management
• an emerging track record of co-authoring peer-reviewed publications
• experience analysing neuroimaging data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study would be highly desirable
• experience in conducting original research and/or engaging in scholarly activity
• demonstrated team and collaborative approach to research, the ability to work closely and effectively with academic and professional staff at all levels

Additional requirements for Research Fellow

• hold a PhD in Public Health, Psychology, Data Science or a relevant field
• an appropriate level of publications – preferably including first-author – in the field of neuroimaging and behavioural data analysis or a very closely related and transferrable area

• developing network of relationships with key academic and professional institutions, partners, and stakeholders
• demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively across a range of media and forums
• developing research profile evidenced by original, high-quality and independent research in the field or area of expertise
• demonstrated collaborative experience in grant funding applications
• experience in project management is highly desirable

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and statement addressing the criteria under ‘About you’) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Please indicate on your cover letter whether you are Applying for Research Associate or Research Fellow.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Lena Germinarios, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

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Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Wednesday 28 February 2024 11:59 PM