Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 133,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney, through the Brain and Mind Centre, invites applications for a 12‑month, full‑time Research Fellow role to study how the immune system influences mental health in young people. The role involves analysing clinical, biological and behavioural data and coordinating new study protocols in immune‑related mental health research.

You will contribute to reports, journals and grant applications while collaborating with clinicians, data scientists, and other researchers across

Qualifications

• PhD in immune science or related field (e.g., neuroscience).
• Experience with quantitative methods relevant to immune science.
• Experience in clinical research with strong data analytics.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders (clinicians, service providers).

Responsibilities

• Analyze clinical, biological, and behavioural data as part of immune‑related mental health research.
• Assist design and high-level coordination of new study protocols collecting diverse data.
• Prepare project reports, conference presentations, and manuscripts (data management/analysis, visualization, writing).
• Assist with grant and fellowship applications across institutional, national, and international schemes.

Skills

Quantitative methods

Data analysis

Clinical research

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in immune science

Job description

Full Time 12-month fixed term role for a dedicated Research FellowOpportunity to join the Brain and Mind Centre to study the role of the immune system in mental health problems among young peopleBase Salary $132,533 - $157,381 + 17% superannuationAbout the opportunityThe Brain and Mind Centre’s Youth Mental Health and Technology team conduct clinical research across several streams that explore biological and behavioural factors influencing the onset, course, and response to treatment in young people with emerging mental disorders. Extensive collaborations with clinicians, data scientists, geneticists, bioinformaticians, health service providers, and philanthropic and research organisations enable us to quickly and effectively translate our research findings into health system innovations, facilitating continuous improvements to mental health services for the benefit of young people in Australia.Your key responsibilities will be to:undertake analysis of clinical, biological, and behavioural data and work as part of a collaborative team working at the intersection of the immune system and mental health to guide better assessment, classification, and intervention in young people with emerging mental disordersassist with the design and high-level coordination of new study protocols collecting clinical, biological, and behavioural data as part of immune-related mental health research projectsassist with the preparation of project reports, conference presentations, and journal manuscripts (including data management/preparation, statistical analysis, visualisation, and writing)assist with the preparation of grant and fellowship applications (institutional, national, and/or international schemes).About youa PhD in an academic field relevant to immune science or other higher professional qualifications in related fields (e.g., neuroscience)experience in quantitative methods relevant to immune scienceexperience in clinical research with strong data analytic skills with an interest in training in the application of analytic techniques to longitudinal or large mental health data sets or biobanksa strong applied research orientation with a proven ability to build successful working relationships with a variety of stakeholders (e.g., clinicians, service providers), both internal and externalstrong analytical skills and a methodical approach to data management and analysisstrong interpersonal and communication skills.Work RightsYou 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 checksYour 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.This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 .EEO statementAt the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion, and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a university community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusionHow to applyApplications (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 [e-mail] The University of SydneyThe University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.Click to view the Position Description for this role.Applications CloseFriday 25 September 2026 11:59 PM