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Postdoctoral Fellow - Psychology - Job Opportunity at University of New South Wales

Sydney, Australia
Part-time
Senior
Posted: July 29, 2025
On-site
AUD 113,000 - 121,000 per year plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading

Benefits

Premium superannuation contribution of 17% above the standard Australian rate, providing exceptional long-term financial security
Annual leave loading benefit that enhances vacation compensation beyond base salary
Access to world-class research facilities and equipment positioning fellows at the forefront of psychological research
Opportunity to work within Australia's top-ranked psychology department with international recognition
Professional development through collaboration with leading researchers and access to prestigious academic networks
Flexible part-time arrangement allowing work-life balance while maintaining career progression
Prime Sydney location providing access to major research centers, teaching hospitals, and urban amenities

Key Responsibilities

Lead independent research initiatives within a nationally significant Medical Research Future Fund project addressing cognitive decline in aging populations, directly impacting public health policy
Drive strategic project coordination and management for a multi-year research initiative with substantial government funding and national health implications
Establish and oversee clinical trial protocols ensuring compliance with international research standards and contributing to evidence-based healthcare practices
Manage complex stakeholder relationships across academic institutions, healthcare providers, and government bodies to advance research objectives
Generate high-impact scholarly publications and presentations that influence academic discourse and clinical practice in cognitive aging
Mentor and supervise research students while contributing to the next generation of psychology researchers
Implement comprehensive data management systems ensuring research integrity and adherence to Good Clinical Practice standards
Coordinate participant recruitment strategies for vulnerable populations requiring specialized ethical considerations and clinical expertise

Requirements

Education

Postgraduate qualifications in psychology (preferably PhD), with a focus on cognitive ageing, epidemiology, and/or dementia

Experience

Experience with non-pharmacological clinical trials conducted in older adults and those with cognitive impairments

Required Skills

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
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global aging population crisis is driving unprecedented demand for cognitive health research, with governments worldwide investing billions in dementia prevention and early intervention strategies. This trend is particularly pronounced in Australia where the aging baby boomer generation is creating urgent needs for evidence-based interventions targeting cognitive decline. Digital health technologies and AI-driven cognitive assessment tools are revolutionizing how researchers study and monitor cognitive decline, creating new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration between psychology, technology, and healthcare sectors. There is a significant shift toward preventive healthcare models in mental health and cognitive wellness, with funding bodies increasingly prioritizing research that can demonstrate real-world clinical applications and population-level health outcomes.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary of AUD 113,000-121,000 plus 17% superannuation represents a competitive package for postdoctoral positions in Australia's academic sector. When including superannuation and benefits, the total compensation package reaches approximately AUD 140,000-150,000, which aligns well with senior postdoctoral roles in prestigious institutions and government-funded research projects.

Role Significance

The role operates within a substantial research ecosystem including over 120 PhD students, 40 academic staff, and multiple research collaborators across institutions. The fellow will likely coordinate teams of 5-10 research assistants and students while interfacing with broader networks of clinical and academic partners.
This is a senior postdoctoral position requiring significant independence and leadership capabilities, positioned between traditional postdoctoral roles and early career academic positions. The role involves substantial project management responsibilities and direct collaboration with established professors, indicating high trust and autonomy levels.

Key Projects

Large-scale longitudinal studies tracking cognitive decline trajectories in aging populations using cutting-edge neuropsychological assessments Multi-site clinical trials testing non-pharmacological interventions for mild cognitive impairment with potential for clinical translation Development of innovative cognitive assessment tools and digital health platforms for early detection of cognitive decline

Success Factors

Ability to navigate complex ethical and regulatory frameworks governing research with vulnerable elderly populations while maintaining scientific rigor and participant safety Strong project management capabilities to coordinate multi-year, multi-stakeholder research initiatives with competing priorities and tight deadlines Exceptional communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders including academic colleagues, healthcare professionals, government representatives, and research participants Technical proficiency in advanced research methodologies, statistical analysis, and data management systems essential for maintaining research quality and integrity

Market Demand

High demand exists for researchers specializing in cognitive aging and dementia prevention, driven by Australia's rapidly aging population and substantial government investment in age-related health research through initiatives like the Medical Research Future Fund.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical trial expertise is absolutely essential as the role involves direct management of human subjects research with vulnerable populations, requiring deep understanding of ethical frameworks, regulatory compliance, and safety protocols that cannot be learned on the job Advanced data management and statistical analysis capabilities are crucial given the complexity of longitudinal aging research and the need to maintain research integrity across multiple sites and extended timeframes Project management and stakeholder coordination skills are vital for success as the role requires simultaneous management of multiple complex relationships across academic, clinical, and government sectors with competing priorities and expectations

Beneficial Skills

Experience with digital health technologies and mobile cognitive assessment platforms would provide significant advantages as the field increasingly adopts technology-enabled research methodologies Grant writing and funding acquisition experience would be valuable for career progression and potential transition to independent research leadership roles Clinical psychology background or healthcare sector experience would enhance credibility when working with medical professionals and healthcare system stakeholders

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work on a nationally significant Medical Research Future Fund project with direct implications for Australia's healthcare policy and clinical practice guidelines
Access to one of the world's most comprehensive aging research ecosystems with connections to major teaching hospitals and healthcare networks across Sydney
Leadership role in establishing new research protocols and methodologies that will influence international standards in cognitive aging research
Integration with Australia's broader national dementia research strategy, providing unprecedented access to policy makers and healthcare system leaders

Career Growth

Progression to more senior academic or research leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years, depending on publication output, grant success, and network development during the postdoctoral period.

Potential Next Roles

Academic lecturer or senior lecturer positions in psychology departments with continued research focus Research team leader or principal investigator roles in government research institutes or healthcare organizations Clinical research director positions in pharmaceutical companies or health technology firms specializing in cognitive health

Company Overview

University of New South Wales

The University of New South Wales represents one of Australia's premier research institutions, consistently ranking among the top universities globally with particular strength in scientific research and innovation. UNSW's School of Psychology holds the distinction of being the only psychology department in the Southern Hemisphere ranked in the global top 30, reflecting its exceptional research quality and international recognition.

UNSW maintains a dominant position in Australian higher education and research, competing directly with institutions like University of Melbourne and Australian National University for top-tier research talent and funding. The university's strong industry connections and research commercialization capabilities provide significant advantages for career development.
Located in Sydney, UNSW benefits from proximity to major healthcare networks, government research agencies, and a thriving biotechnology sector. The university's strategic location provides unique access to diverse research populations and collaboration opportunities with leading medical institutions.
UNSW promotes a collaborative, innovation-focused research environment with strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact. The institution's commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with its international outlook, creates a dynamic and supportive academic community for career development.
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