"Part time (0.8FTE) to Full Time (1.0 FTE) Postdoctoral Research Associate until December 2026"

Opportunity for a Research Associate to join the team at Central Clinical School in the Sydney Medical School.

The Central Clinical School supports a wide range of teaching and research activities for Medicine. The Clinical School staff support or lead, clinical and public health research including in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and addiction medicine.

The Research Associate will join a small but growing research team led by Associate Professor Michael Doyle. The successful applicant will work on a project funded through a Medical Research Future Fund grant. The overall aim of this project is to develop a culturally informed social and emotional wellbeing program for young (18 to 24 years) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are in custody. The Research Associate would help coordinate and undertake data collection, data interpretation and development of publications. This project does not involve data collection in prison. Experience working in Aboriginal health and communities is critical to advancing this cutting-edge health research.

This Research-focused academic at Level A is expected to apply and develop their expertise in conducting research. They will conduct research and/or scholarly activities under the limited supervision of the team leader and other senior academic staff, either independently or as part of a research team.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• work closely with the team leader and other chief investigators of the MRFF project.
• work independently and as part of the research team, to undertake qualitative research, including data collection, analysis and writing up of results
• undertake qualitative research field work independently, with some interstate travel, phone and online support as needed.
• assist in the development of publications including systematic reviews.
• coordinate the project investigator meetings and workshops and assist in coordinating the Aboriginal reference group meetings.

About you

• hold research master's or a PhD in a relevant discipline
• demonstrated experience working in a research role with a comparable level of responsibility
• experience developing and contributing to research evidence by producing original, high quality and independent research
• demonstrated ability to perform qualitative data analyses
• ability to communicate effectively across a range of forums
• experience in the development of academic manuscripts or report writing
• accuracy, attention to detail and highly organised, with the ability to work according to strict deadlines and manage various demands
• strong problem-solving skills and the ability to use initiative and exercise sound judgement and ability to prioritise workload during busy periods
• ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters that may arise as part of normal daily work
• assist in all activities related to conduct of the research including in the reviewing and updating of research protocols and related documents, and in coordinating reporting to human research ethics committees
• assist to build and maintain strategic relationships by liaising, consulting, and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders to identify key issues as they relate to the research activities and help developing effective solutions to challenges that arise.

Base Salary $89,831 - $121,054 + 17% superannuation

Work Rights
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Danielle Selinger, Recruitment Consultant by email to danielle.selinger@sydney.edu.au

Applications Close
Thursday 12 February 2026 11:59 PM