Research Associate​/Senior Research Associate - Psychology

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate – Psychology (UNSW)

Location:

Sydney, NSW
• Work type:
Full Time
• Salary:
Level A $113‑$121k, LevelB $127‑$150k, plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed term:
Approx.
2years to 31

August
2028
• Full time (35hours per week)

The Research Associate (LevelA) / Senior Research Associate (LevelB) will contribute to research activities at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Psychology, supporting the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program. The role focuses on two projects: a longitudinal study of refugee mental health across Australia and Indonesia, and a study of a scalable skills‑based intervention for people with refugee backgrounds.

Responsibilities include project administration, data analysis, dissemination, and collaboration with partners.

• Conduct collaborative research and enhance research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Undertake specific research projects under a research leader, contributing to development of research activities.
• Support dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels.
• Perform discipline‑appropriate research activities (e.g., surveys, literature reviews, data gathering).
• Participate in or present at conferences and workshops as required.
• Assist with supervision of research students where needed.
• Develop and maintain efficient scheduling, communication, and documentation systems; train project staff.
• Coordinate multi‑site research studies, including recruitment, screening, scheduling, tracking, and retention.
• Coordinate project meetings and ensure smooth operation of research projects, meeting milestones.
• Oversee translation and back‑translation of measures into study languages.
• Engage with partner organisations and stakeholders, including refugee‑led groups.
• Deliver or support training in Problem Management‑Plus to facilitators from refugee backgrounds.
• Oversee administration of survey measures and assessments to participants.
• Oversee experimental research sessions with participants.
• Manage data cleaning, data management processes, and research integrity in databases.
• Assist with duties related to the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program as required.
• Align with UNSW Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with health and safety policies and procedures, ensuring safety for all.

• Create scholarly impact recognised by peers.
• Contribute to competitive funding applications.
• Design and conduct research projects with limited supervision.
• Establish a personal research portfolio and develop independent proposals.
• Mentor and guide students and colleagues; supervise HDRs as per norms.

• PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to handle diverse tasks independently and accurately.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to keeping up‑to‑date with discipline knowledge.
• Track record of high‑quality academic research and independent work with limited supervision.
• Publication and conference presentation record relevant to the role.
• Teamwork and collaboration across disciplines.
• Preferred: completed clinical training as a registered psychologist or clinical psychologist.
• Experience with longitudinal studies and/or RCTs.
• Experience providing training in CBT or similar therapeutic modalities.
• Experience recruiting and/or retaining participants in research studies.
• Experience working with refugee or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of UNSW policies and commitment to values.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities.

• Track record of high‑quality, high‑impact research with evidence of research excellence.
• Significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.
• Track record of attracting external research funding.
• Track record of overseeing junior research staff and supervising students.

Contact:
Angela Nickerson – a.nickerson.au

Applications close: 6

August
2026

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

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 flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.