• Full-time, 12-month fixed term, with possible extension and flexible work arrangements
• Exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use
• Base Salary Level A $105,314 – $116,679 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use provides a world-first synergy of leading epidemiological, prevention, early intervention, and treatment research and translation programs in substance use and mental disorders. The Matilda Centre brings together researchers in broad fields to share skills, integrate data, and harness new technologies to shed light on the nature and understanding of substance use and mental disorders as well as develop and trial innovative prevention, early intervention and treatment programs.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work within the Mentally Healthy Futures Project, supporting a program of work which aims to work collaboratively in breaking down silos to improve the mental health of future Australians. In this role, you will be conducting research which explores the social determinants of mental health and examines the relationship between cross-sector policymaking and mental health outcomes.

You will be working as part of a small, dedicated team of research and research support staff to meet pre-determined project objectives and deliverables. While research is a core focus of the role, this work also includes some project management and stakeholder management activities. Overall, you will work in line with the priorities of The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use and contribute to the production of high-quality research outputs.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Conduct research, scholarly, or professional activities independently or as part of a team, contributing to the discipline's knowledge
• Develop and refine independent research skills under the supervision of senior academic staff
• Provide informal mentoring, advice to students, and contribute to a positive workplace culture that values diversity, collaboration, and excellence
• Supervise research assistant/s
• Carry out administrative tasks, participate in faculty/school meetings, and support the strategic agenda of the university
• Undertake additional duties and contribute to projects within the classification level as required
• Foster an environment that values and enables diversity of thought, contribution, and achieving outcomes.

About you

• Completed or near completion of PhD in psychology, behavioural or social sciences, or a related field
• Demonstrated research experience in the fields of youth mental health and/or substance use epidemiology or prevention
• Ability to supervise and delegate to junior research staff
• Experience or knowledge of mental health and Australian policy landscape
• Demonstrated capacity to undertake high-quality systematic reviews of scientific literature
• Demonstrated capacity to contribute to research dissemination as evidenced by peer-reviewed (or equivalent) publications and conference presentations
• Proven ability to work both independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary research team
• High-level organisational skills and proven ability to deal with multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet deadlines.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires valid work rights for Australia.

Pre-employment checks

Your 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 statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by 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) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply Now button at the top of the page.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Roshik Prasad, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected], using the subject line: Postdoctoral Research Associate enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.