Research Associate

UNSW; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

UNSW’s School of Psychology seeks a researcher to lead independent work on single-cell transcriptomics (snRNAseq) of brain tissue, collaborating across teams. You will contribute to open-source analysis pipelines and ensure proper data governance, with responsibilities across research, analysis, and dissemination.

The role requires a PhD or relevant experience, strong programming and quantitative skills, and a track record of high-quality scholarly output. Fixed term, 2 years, full-time.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline and/or relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated experience collecting, processing, and analysing gene expression data.
• Strong quantitative and programming skills and experience developing reproducible analysis pipelines and/or open-source tools for large datasets.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a research project requiring collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation of snRNAseq data.
• Conduct research and enable teams to create high-quality scholarly outputs.
• Develop and contribute to open-source analysis pipelines and data governance.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Programming

Open-source workflows

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

Python

R

snRNAseq pipelines

Job description

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

This Job is based in Australia

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Psychology at UNSW is the leading Psychology school in Australia. It is located in the Faculty of Science and is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching. It offers world class undergraduate psychology degrees, as well as postgraduate professional Masters training in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, an online Graduate Diploma program, and a PhD research program with over 120 students. 40 academic staff conduct experimental research in many areas of Psychology, including behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, perception, learning, memory and cognition, as well as health, social, developmental, clinical and forensic psychology. UNSW Psychology is the only School in the southern hemisphere ranked in the top 30 by discipline in the THES, QS and ARWU rankings. The School has well equipped research and teaching facilities and attracts outstanding staff and students from Australia and overseas. UNSW is located 5 km from the centre of Sydney and is close to other research centres, teaching hospitals, transport, shopping, and beaches.

For further information about the school please visit www.psychology.unsw.edu.au

This position is specifically required to contribute towards a research program leveraging single-cell transcriptomics (snRNAseq) of brain tissue to understand differences in animal behaviour. The successful candidate will conduct independent research and work closely with collaborators. They will also be responsible for contributing to open-source analysis pipelines, and data governance.

About The Role

• LEVEL A - $118k - $126k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2 years
• Full time (35 hours)

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Contribute independently and collaboratively to a research project requiring collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation of snRNAseq data.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create high quality scholarly outputs recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About The Successful Applicant

• A PhD in a relevant discipline and/or relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated experience collecting, processing, and analysing gene expression data.
• Strong quantitative and programming skills and experience developing reproducible analysis pipelines and/or open-source tools for large datasets.
• Experience with behavioural testing in mice and brain tissue collection and processing (e.g. nuclei isolation and fixation) is preferred.
• Experience working with animal research ethics and a clear understanding of regulatory and data-governance requirements in neuroscience research.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Evidence of engagement with open-science practices, including code and/or data sharing and the use of open, reproducible workflows
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Contact

Philip Jean-Richard-dit-Bressel

E: [e-mail]

Applications close: November 9th, 2026

Find Out More About Working At UNSW At Www.unsw.edu.au

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