Research Associate​/Senior Research Associate - Psychology

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate – Psychology at UNSW, Sydney, NSW. Full‑time, Fixed term (approx. 2 years to 31 August 2028). Levels: A (Salary $113k – $121k) and B ($127k – $150k) plus superannuation and annual leave loading. 35 hours per week.

UNSW Faculty of Science – leading psychology school in Australia. Offers world‑class undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programs. Research expertise in behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, perception, learning, memory, health, social, developmental, clinical and forensic psychology. Well‑equipped facilities, internationally ranked.

The Research Associate (Level

A) or Senior Research Associate (Level

B) supports academic activities at the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program. Involved in two projects: a longitudinal study of refugee mental health (Australia & Indonesia) and a scalable skills‑based intervention for refugees. Responsibilities include project planning, data collection, analysis, dissemination, grant support, supervision of research students, system maintenance, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to health & safety policies.

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research to enhance quality of outcomes and scholarly output.
• Undertake research projects under guidance, develop research activities.
• Support dissemination through appropriate channels.
• Conduct discipline‑appropriate methods: surveys, literature reviews, data gathering, recording results.
• Participate in and present at conferences/workshops.
• Assist supervision of research students.
• Develop and maintain efficient scheduling, communication, file organization, and documentation systems.
• Coordinate multi‑site studies: recruitment, screening, scheduling, tracking, follow‑up, and resolution of participation issues.
• Coordinate project meetings, ensure adherence to protocols and milestones.
• Oversee translation/back‑translation of measures.
• Engage stakeholders: academic partners, NGOs, refugee‑led organizations.
• Deliver or support training in Problem Management‑Plus to facilitators from refugee backgrounds.
• Administer survey measures and assessments.
• Implement experimental research sessions.
• Manage data: cleaning, management processes, research database integrity.
• Assist duties related to the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program.
• Align with Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with health and safety policies.

• Create scholarly impact recognised by peers.
• Develop competitive funding applications.
• Design and conduct research projects with limited supervision.
• Establish a personal research portfolio and independent proposals.
• Mentor students and colleagues, supervise HDRs.

• PhD or relevant work experience.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage diverse tasks independently.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communication with stakeholders.
• Commitment to updating discipline knowledge.
• Demonstrated high‑quality academic research and independent work.
• Track record of publications and conference presentations.
• Teamwork, cross‑disciplinary collaboration, effective relationships.
• Preferred: completed clinical training as a registered or clinical psychologist.
• Preferred: experience with longitudinal RCTs, CBT training, recruitment/retention in diverse populations.
• Knowledge of UNSW aims, policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities.

• Track record of high‑quality, high‑impact research and research leadership.
• Significant involvement with profession and/or industry.
• Track record of attracting external research funding.
• Ability to oversee junior staff and supervise students.

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, LGBTIQ community members and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Angela Nickerson – a.nickerson.au. Applications close: 6 August 2026.