Research Associate

University of New South Wales; Sydney; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

University of New South Wales in Sydney, NSW invites applications for a Post Doctoral Research Associate to contribute to a brain transcriptomics project. The role involves independent research, collaboration with colleagues, and development of open-source analysis pipelines for single-cell data.

It requires strong quantitative and programming skills and a PhD in a relevant field. The position is full-time for 2 years, with a competitive salary and 17% superannuation, located at the UNSW School

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Experience collecting, processing, and analysing gene expression data.
• Strong quantitative and programming skills; develops reproducible analysis pipelines.
• Experience with animal testing in neuroscience (e.g. mice) and brain tissue processing (preferred).
• Familiarity with data governance and neuroscience research regulations.
• Ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and collaborate across disciplines.
• Commitment to open-science practices and sharing code/data.
• Knowledge of UNSW aims, values, and safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Contribute independently and collaboratively to a research project using snRNAseq data.
• Carry out research and enable high-quality scholarly outputs recognised by peers.
• Undertake research under the guidance of a leader and help develop research activities.
• Support dissemination of research outcomes through suitable channels.
• Engage in literature reviews and data gathering using appropriate methods.
• Present at conferences/workshops as required.
• Assist with supervision of research students when needed.
• Align with the Code of Conduct and university values.
• Follow health and safety policies to protect self and others.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Programming skills

Reproducible analysis pipelines

Open-source tools for large datasets

Behavioural testing in mice

Data governance in neuroscience

Interpersonal and organizational

Open-science practices

Team collaboration

Code and data sharing

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

University of New South Wales – Sydney NSW

18h ago , from University of New South Wales

Job no: 543635
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Post Doctoral Research Associate

• 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

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
(Selection Criteria)

• 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.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position descriptionin your application.

Contact:
Philip Jean-Richard-dit-Bressel
E: ***************@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: November 9th, 2026

Find out more about working at UNSW atwww.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.