Research Associate / Senior Research Associate - Psychology

This role is based in the School of Psychology at UNSW, the leading psychology school in Australia. Located in the Faculty of Science, the school is recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in research and teaching. It offers world-class undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including professional Masters training in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, an online Graduate Diploma, and a PhD research program with over 120 students. The school’s 40 academic staff conduct experimental research across diverse areas such as behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, perception, learning, memory, cognition, 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 boasts well-equipped research and teaching facilities and attracts outstanding staff and students from Australia and overseas. UNSW is located 5 km from Sydney’s centre, close to research centres, teaching hospitals, transport, shopping, and beaches.

About the role

The Research Associate (Level A) or Senior Research Associate (Level B) will contribute to UNSW’s research efforts and develop research expertise through defined projects within the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program. The role involves leading one project and supporting another, focusing on:

• A longitudinal study investigating psychological and social mechanisms underlying refugee mental health across contexts (Australia and Indonesia).
• A study assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of a scalable skills-based intervention to improve wellbeing and functioning among people with refugee backgrounds.

The role also includes research project administration, data analysis, contributing to research outputs and grant applications, and assisting with program-related duties.

Responsibilities

Level A:

• Contribute independently or as a team member to collaborative research, enhancing research outcomes and enabling scholarly output.
• Undertake specific research projects under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels.
• Conduct discipline-appropriate research activities (e.g., surveys, literature reviews, data gathering).
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and workshops relevant to the project.
• Assist with the supervision of research students where required.
• Develop and maintain efficient systems for scheduling, communication, file organisation, and documentation, and train project staff in their use.
• Coordinate multi-site research studies, including managing participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, tracking, and follow-up.
• Oversee project meetings, ensuring adherence to study protocols and meeting milestones.
• Manage translation and back-translation of measures into study languages.
• Engage with partner organisations and stakeholders, including academic partners, NGOs, and refugee-led organisations.
• Deliver or support training in Problem Management-Plus to facilitators from refugee backgrounds.
• Oversee administration of survey measures and assessments to study participants.
• Implement experimental research sessions with study participants.
• Coordinate data cleaning, management, and ensure research integrity in databases.
• Assist with research duties related to the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program as required.
• Align with and demonstrate the UNSW Code of Conduct and Values.
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.

Level B (in addition to the above):

• Create scholarly impact recognised by peers in advancing disciplinary knowledge.
• Contribute to competitive funding applications under the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Design and conduct research projects under limited supervision, independently or as part of a team.
• Establish a personal research portfolio and develop independent research proposals.
• Mentor and guide students and colleagues, including supervision of Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates.

Requirements

Level A:

• A PhD in a related discipline and/or relevant work experience.
• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to manage diverse tasks, work independently, and deliver high-quality work on time.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to staying updated with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality academic research with limited supervision.
• Track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, and build effective relationships.

Preferred (non-essential):

• Completed clinical training as a registered or clinical psychologist.
• Experience in longitudinal research studies and/or randomised controlled trials.
• Experience in providing training in cognitive behavioural or similar therapeutic modalities.
• Experience in recruiting and/or retaining participants in research studies.
• Experience working with people from refugee or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, and values.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities.

Level B (in addition to the above):

• Demonstrated track record in high-quality, high-impact research with evidence of research leadership.
• Significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.
• Track record of attracting external research funding.
• Experience overseeing junior research staff and/or supervising students.

Pay

Level A: $113,000 – $121,000 per annum
Level B: $127,000 – $150,000 per annum
Plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.

Schedule

Full-time (35 hours per week)
Fixed-term contract for approximately 2 years (to 31 August 2028).