Postdoctoral Fellow - Psychology

Job no: 533882
Work type: Full Time
Location: Other location
Categories: Post Doctoral Research Associate

• 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

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

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.

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

The position plays a key role in the Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing in the School of Psychology by contributing to a project focused on Cognitive decline and decision-making. This involves analysis of cohort studies to develop knowledge outcomes in the field of cognitive-aging, and decision-making related to health, finances and care in later life. A key aspect of the work is to consider how demographic factors impact cognitive decline and poor decision-making.

About the role

• $113k - $121k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2 years
• Full time (35 hours)

The role reports to Professor Kaarin Anstey and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Undertake advanced statistical analysis of large observational studies, both cross-sectional and longitudinal.
• Undertake systematic reviews of relevant literature and where relevant conduct meta-analyses.
• Lead and contribute to manuscripts, reports and policy briefs based on statistical analysis of cohort studies. Oversee the data governance and data management of relevant projects, including liaising with ethics committees, stakeholders and collaborators with regard to data sharing agreements, data storage and access approvals.
• Conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision, either independently or as a member of a team (as per the norms of the discipline).
• Establish a personal research portfolio and start developing independent research proposals.
• Contribute to the development of applications for competitive funding under the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Participate as co-investigator or chief investigator in competitive grant applications or show evidence of active participation in research collaborations funded by competitive grants.
• Mentor and guide research assistants, students and colleagues and develop the next generation of academics through involvement in supervision of HDRs (as per the norms of the discipline).
• 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.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD in Psychology or statistical methods.
• A demonstrated interest and experience in cognitive ageing research and how that relates to decision-making in later life for example through track record of publications.
• Demonstrated advanced statistical analysis skills, including experience analysing cohort studies and conducting systematic reviews
• 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.
• High level communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.
• 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.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Kaarin Anstey
E: k.anstey@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: August 28th, 2025

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.