"Research Fellow - Cohort Studies - Clinical Pain Science"

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Research Fellow, with expertise in cohort studies and clinical pain science, to join our world-class Centre for Innovation in Pain and Health Research (CIPHeR) in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. This is an exciting opportunity to support high-impact, vital research and create real change!

The successful applicant will take a leadership role in research projects funded by a NHMRC Synergy and Investigator Grants and will play a central role in the organisation and administration of the relevant project(s) within Professor Paul Hodges’ research group. The role includes engagement with the grant’s chief and associate investigators across Australia and internationally.

Developed with a national and international team of experts in pain science, the projects encompass the development and oversight of major cohort studies of individuals with pain. These studies will implement a diverse range of measurement methods that enable the identification of the predominant pain mechanism and the underlying neurobiology that underpins different pain presentations. Leading the design and implementation of major cohort studies to evaluate the validity of these measures is the central responsibility of this role.

Other key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Lead at least two cohort studies (one that includes diverse pain presentations and a smaller cohort for more detailed analysis of a single pain condition), seek and manage research funding and publish in reputable journals.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise Honours and HDR students and provide performance feedback, training and mentoring.
• Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, engage in internal and external service activities, perform administrative functions, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About You

• Completion of a PhD in a field related to pain science (physiotherapy, psychology, medicine, other health discipline or science).
• Experience in leading cohort studies is essential; an advanced understanding of pain and pain science is desirable.
• Experience with management of large data sets and evidence of advanced understanding of statistical analysis.
• Ability to quickly acquire skills to implement new clinical and laboratory assessment techniques and to perform them routinely at a high level of accuracy and efficiency.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated capacity to collaborate across diverse teams.
• A developing reputation and track record of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Evidence of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing external research funding.
• A growing record of supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students to successful completion.
• Experience in meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with active contributions to external activities.

We encourage all applications, both domestic and international. Subject to individual eligibility, we may support the successful applicant with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

About UQ

With a shared goal to create lasting and positive change for communities across the world, at UQ you will be challenged to do your best work, inspired by colleagues from across UQ’s diverse community, and rewarded for your contributions, expertise and the unique experiences you bring.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Paul Hodges at p.hodges@uq.edu.au.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• Cover letter addressing the selection criteria in the ‘About You’ section above

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Wednesday 24 September 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-53880).