Senior Research Fellow in Sleep Research - Internal Only

UniSC Internal Careers; Moreton Bay; On-site; AUD 145,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Flexible work options

Salary packaging

Athena SWAN Bronze Award

EAP

Job summary

Thompson Institute at UniSC is seeking a Senior Research Fellow to lead the LYAS sleep health programme, engaging with First Nations communities and diverse stakeholders. The role involves travel to remote and regional communities for engagement, co‑design, and dissemination of findings.

You will provide research leadership across MRFF projects, contribute to publications and grants, and build partnerships to translate research into real‑world impact.

Qualifications

• Established track record of research activity with peer‑reviewed outputs.
• Demonstrated success in securing external research funding.
• Evidence of leadership and impact in research and engagement with communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovative sleep health research aligned with UniSC priorities.
• Publish high‑quality research findings in reputable journals and conferences.
• Collaborate with the research team and interdisciplinary partners.
• Secure external funding and participate in grant applications.
• Disseminate outcomes to stakeholders and strengthen partnerships with First Nations communities.

Skills

Research leadership

Community engagement

Grant writing

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

• Thompson Institute| UniSC Morton Bay, Petrie
• Level C, $144,979 - $167,068 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• x1 Full-time (36.25 hours per week), fixed‑term appointment for 3 years
• x1 Part‑time (80% FTE / 29 hours per week), fixed‑term appointment for 3 years

Thompson Institute

UniSC’s Thompson Institute addresses society’s most pressing mental health issues. We integrate world‑class research, clinical programs and education under one roof, to translate the latest science into programs that benefit society. Everything we do is underpinned by neuroscience. This uncovers promising new insights into mental health and how it is linked to our brain structure and function.

The Opportunities

As a Senior Research Fellow and lead impactful research through the Let’s Yarn About Sleep (LYAS) programme, supporting better sleep health and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations communities. This externally funded role provides an opportunity to lead community, consumer, service provider and industry engagement, shape the co‑design and delivery of innovative sleep health initiatives, and build the capability of staff and community partners. Working with the LYAS team, you will provide research and academic leadership across the MRFF Trauma Informed Sleep Health and MRFF Child Mental Health Research projects, contribute to high‑quality research publications and competitive grant applications, and strengthen meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities. The role includes regular travel to remote, rural and regional communities for engagement, co‑design workshops, research dissemination and programme roadshows.

For more information, please visit us online: Thompson Institute

You will:

• Conduct innovative research: take the lead in designing and conducting innovative research projects aligned with your expertise and UniSC’s research priorities. Employ rigorous methodologies and stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field.
• Publish research findings: disseminate research findings through high‑impact publications in reputable journals, conferences, and other scholarly outlets. Contribute to UniSC’s reputation as a leader in cutting‑edge research.
• Collaborate with research team: engage in collaborative research efforts with other members of the research team, fostering a supportive and productive research environment. Contribute your expertise and knowledge to interdisciplinary projects.
• Secure research funding: actively participate in securing research grants and funding opportunities to support your research projects. Demonstrate the potential impact of your research to attract external funding.
• Contribute to research impact: communicate and present research outcomes to various stakeholders, including academic peers, policymakers, and the public. Demonstrate how your research contributes to addressing real‑world challenges and has a broader societal impact.

About you:

The successful incumbent will be an established researcher with a strong record of research achievement, applied research and community engagement. You will bring demonstrated research leadership, expertise in research methodologies, and the ability to develop and lead collaborative partnerships with First Nations communities, health professionals and diverse stakeholders. With strong communication and relationship‑building skills, you will be committed to culturally responsive practice and to translating research into meaningful, sustainable health and wellbeing outcomes.

To be successful you will possess:

• Established track record of research activity and high‑quality research outputs, including peer‑reviewed publications and discipline‑specific outputs.
• Demonstrated success in securing external research funding, with clear evidence of individual contribution.
• Evidence of research esteem, leadership and impact, including presentations, awards, professional contributions and, where relevant, technology transfer.
• Strong experience in community and external engagement, with established networks across professional, community and industry partners.
• Demonstrated research supervision experience, including successful higher degree research student completions where applicable.
• Strong leadership, collaboration and collegial skills, contributing to a positive academic environment and the development of new partnerships.
• Commitment to ongoing academic development and continuous improvement as an effective academic.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc‑[e-mail] or call [phone].

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 8 November 2026.

Position description: 494893_Senior Research Fellow in Sleep Health.pdf

Prof Fatima Yaqoot
Professor in Sleep Research - Thompson Institute
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.