Research Fellow in Psychology

JR0000007167

• Fixed term until April 2027 | Full-Time at 1.0FTE 

• Academic Level B | $101,724 - $120,380 p.a. 

• Location: Bedford Park 

• View Position Description 

About the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work 

Through our world-class teaching and research, we equip students with the skill, commitment, and vision to protect vulnerable communities and advance human development. The College is dedicated to cultivating bright minds and inspiring innovative, passionate, and highly skilled graduates for future ready careers, and delivering connections for life. 

About the Research Project

The project, titled “Spatial navigation assessment: pathway to clinical translation and early diagnosis of dementia”, is part of the seven new MRFF projects led by Flinders University researchers, awarded with almost $8.8 million in the latest round.

Early and accurate diagnosis of dementia is critical to delivering, and maximising the benefits, of targeted interventions and support strategies to slow disease progression and help people maintain independence and quality of life. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the focus of this project, current diagnostic neuropsychological tests are not sensitive enough to detect the progressive brain changes that begin 10-20 years before the onset of memory symptoms. The project team has developed novel neuropsychological tests of spatial navigation (how we navigate our surroundings) that are highly sensitive to these early brain changes. This project will involve validation of these tests and optimisation for rollout in clinical services.

The outcome of the project is a more effective approach to early diagnosis of AD that can be rapidly introduced into clinical care pathways nationally. This will result in significant quality of life benefits for patients and their carers, as well as cost savings for the health system. 

About the Role 

The Research Fellow in Psychology will undertake research in Psychology under the broad direction of the Chief Investigator. In working with the Chief Investigator and research team, the position will contribute to project design and implementation, the analysis of data and the preparation of manuscripts for publication. 

Some of the key position responsibilities include:

• Actively contributing to the research project by collaborating with the Research Team to successfully deliver project milestones and Key Performance Indicators.

• Playing a lead role in coordinating, planning, and executing the project tasks required to collaborate with industry partners.

• Supervision of honours and post graduate research projects.

About You 

As the successful candidate, to run this exciting translational project over a period of 4 years, you have vast experience with neuropsychological assessments in adult clinical populations, and you have demonstrated research experience in terms of publications in high quality publications, attraction of external competitive grants and presentations at a national and/or international level in Psychology, Neuropsychology or Cognitive Science/Neuroscience.

You have high-level skills in being able to coordinate the project across various locations including in Adelaide and Newcastle.

Some of the key position capabilities are:

• Demonstrated research experience in terms of publications in high quality publications, attraction of external competitive grants and presentations at a national and/or international level in Psychology, Neuropsychology or Cognitive Science/Neuroscience.

• Demonstrated experience in qualitative (desirable) and quantitative research methodology.

• Demonstrated experience in providing neuropsychological assessment and feedback in adult clinical populations.

• Demonstrated well-developed interpersonal skills and experience in collaborating and engaging with diverse stakeholders and industry partners.

• Demonstrated experience to undertake collaborative research and establish and maintain effective relationships with staff and industry.

Life at Flinders 

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world. 

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?  

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options 

• Flexible working arrangements 

• Wide range of professional development activities and services 

• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff 

• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services , gym  and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia). 

Prescribed Conditions for Employment 

• A valid National Police Certificate which is satisfactory to the University will also be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position. 

• Please note that you may be required to provide evidence that you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, in line with the Flinders University COVID-19 Vaccination Policy   

How to Apply and Information 

• You are required to submit Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the 5 Key Position Capabilities of the position description .

• For more information regarding this position, please contact Stephanie Wong

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted. 

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

16 Apr 2023

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.