Postdoctoral Fellow

Neuroscience Research Australia; Randwick; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

NeuRA in Randwick, NSW, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead biomarker discovery in dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases. You will manage analyses across rich clinical and research cohorts, integrating biomarker data with cognitive, imaging and genetic measures to generate translatable insights.

The role offers collaborative, translational research within a world-class neuroscience program, with opportunities to publish, secure grants and mentor junior researchers while

Qualifications

• PhD (awarded or near completion) in neuroscience, epidemiology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, biomedical science, psychology, data science or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience analysing biomarker, clinical or other complex health research data using statistical software such as R, Python, Stata or equivalent.
• Experience curating, harmonising and integrating data across studies or modalities.
• Strong publication record relative to opportunity, with demonstrated ability to complete analyses and prepare high-quality manuscripts within agreed timelines.
• Experience contributing to research protocols, ethics submissions, grant applications or other research documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead biomarker discovery and multimodal data analysis across Centre of Excellence studies and linked clinical and research cohorts.
• Develop research questions, study protocols, statistical analysis plans and reproducible analytical workflows.
• Integrate biomarker data with clinical, cognitive, imaging, genetic and longitudinal research measures.
• Apply statistical and computational methods to identify, replicate and evaluate individual biomarkers and multimarker signatures.
• Evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic and potential clinical relevance of biomarker findings.
• Develop robust analytical pipelines and maintain high standards of data quality, integrity and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with the clinical scientist on assay planning, quality control and targeted laboratory work as required.
• Coordinate research activities across studies, including timelines, milestones, sample and data flows, budgets and reporting.
• Contribute to the scientific development of the biobank, including data linkage, metadata, sample prioritisation and integration across studies.
• Contribute to ethics and governance submissions, study protocols, grant applications, manuscripts, abstracts and research reports.
• Support mentoring and collaboration across clinical, laboratory, data, academic and external research partners.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the role as reasonably required.

Skills

Biomarker analysis

Statistical software (R/Python/Stata)

Data integration across studies

Publication track record

Protocols & ethics experience

Education

PhD in neuroscience/biomedical science/data science

Tools

R

Python

Stata

Job description

Neuroscience Research Australia – Randwick NSW

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is a leading independent, not-for-profit medical research institute whose vision is to prevent and cure disease and disability of the brain and nervous system through leadership, excellence, and innovation in neuroscience research. NeuRA has world-class research facilities and is based at Randwick in Sydney.

Our values are the essence of our organisation. They are the principles that we live by and are at the core of everything we do. Impact. Collaboration. Respect. Excellence. Integrity. Innovation.

At NeuRA, you'll be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation dedicated to advancing neuroscience research and improving lives. You'll work alongside leading researchers and clinicians, contribute to impactful research outcomes, and be supported in your professional development within a world-class research environment.

Overview of the Role:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Devenney team and contribute to the Centre of Excellence biomarker program, with a focus on biomarker discovery in dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases.

This role offers the opportunity to lead analyses across rich, well-characterised clinical and research cohorts, integrating biomarker data with clinical, cognitive, imaging, genetic and longitudinal measures. You will develop research questions and analytical approaches, evaluate biomarkers and multimarker signatures, and help translate complex research findings into clinically meaningful insights.

Working across clinical research, data science, biobanking and laboratory translation, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers and a clinical scientist leading laboratory workflows and assay delivery. You will also contribute to the broader scientific program through study development, biobank integration, grants, ethics submissions, publications and research coordination.

This is an ideal opportunity for an early-career researcher looking to develop their research profile while contributing to collaborative, translational research in dementia and neurodegeneration.

3 Best Things About the Role:

• Lead biomarker discovery using rich clinical, biomarker and multimodal datasets across well-characterised research cohorts.
• Translate data into meaningful research outcomes at the intersection of dementia research, data science, biobanking and laboratory science.
• Grow your research profile through analytical leadership, publications, grants, protocols and multidisciplinary collaborations.

Responsibilities of the Role:

• Lead biomarker discovery and multimodal data analysis across Centre of Excellence studies and linked clinical and research cohorts.
• Develop research questions, study protocols, statistical analysis plans and reproducible analytical workflows.
• Integrate biomarker data with clinical, cognitive, imaging, genetic and longitudinal research measures.
• Apply statistical and computational methods to identify, replicate and evaluate individual biomarkers and multimarker signatures.
• Evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic and potential clinical relevance of biomarker findings.
• Develop robust analytical pipelines and maintain high standards of data quality, integrity and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with the clinical scientist on assay planning, quality control and targeted laboratory work as required.
• Coordinate research activities across studies, including timelines, milestones, sample and data flows, budgets and reporting.
• Contribute to the scientific development of the biobank, including data linkage, metadata, sample prioritisation and integration across studies.
• Contribute to ethics and governance submissions, study protocols, grant applications, manuscripts, abstracts and research reports.
• Support mentoring and collaboration across clinical, laboratory, data, academic and external research partners.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the role as reasonably required.

To be successful in this Role, you will need:

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD, awarded or near completion, in neuroscience, epidemiology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, biomedical science, psychology, data science or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience analysing biomarker, clinical or other complex health research data using statistical software such as R, Python, Stata or equivalent.
• Experience curating, harmonising and integrating data across studies or modalities.
• Strong publication record relative to opportunity, with demonstrated ability to complete analyses and prepare high-quality manuscripts within agreed timelines.
• Experience contributing to research protocols, ethics submissions, grant applications or other research documentation.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience in biomarker discovery or validation, including diagnostic, prognostic or longitudinal modelling and evaluation of multimarker panels.
• Experience with high-dimensional, omics or multimodal data integration, machine learning or other advanced analytical methods.
• Understanding of biofluid biomarkers, assay performance and laboratory quality control, with some hands-on laboratory experience desirable.
• Experience with biobanks, LIMS, REDCap, linked biospecimen and clinical datasets, multicentre studies, or industry and pathology partners.
• Experience supervising or mentoring students or junior research staff and supporting collaborative research programs.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including developing analysis plans, selecting appropriate statistical methods and interpreting biological and clinical findings.
• Strong understanding of data quality, reproducibility and research documentation.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, including coordinating studies and monitoring budgets, timelines, milestones and deliverables.
• Ability to work effectively across clinical, laboratory, data and research teams and with external collaborators.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to build effective working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
• Analytical and solutions-focused approach to research.
• Commitment to research quality, integrity and reproducibility.

Diversity and Inclusion

NeuRA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination in all employment practices. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

EEO and Right to Work Statement

You must have the right to live and work in Australia for the duration of your appointment at NeuRA.

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination in all our employment policies and practices.

Acknowledgement of Country

NeuRA acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, and extends respect to all Elders past, present, and emerging.