• 2x Part-time, 12-month fixed-term opportunities as a Research Psychologist, with possible extension, commencing in January 2025
• Exciting opportunity for Research Psychologists to join the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use
• Base Salary $108,557 - $118,267 (pro-rata) + 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 Matilda Centre is seeking 2x Research Psychologists to join their current research team on a new MRFF-funded clinical trial. The trial is examining the effectiveness of a novel integrated psychological therapy for adolescents and young adults aged 12 – 25 who are experiencing posttraumatic stress and using alcohol or other drugs. In this role, you will be conducting psychological evaluations and delivering cognitive behaviour therapy based on a structured treatment manual to clinical trial participants. Clinical training in the treatment protocols will be provided. The delivery will be conducted via telehealth (i.e., videoconferencing) and in person, with some travel to services required within the Greater Sydney area. The role will require an experienced and resilient psychologist with high levels of sensitivity and empathy and a detailed understanding of confidentiality and privacy requirements.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Conduct cognitive behaviour therapy based on a structured treatment manual and psychological assessments with adolescent and young adult participants experiencing posttraumatic stress and substance use disorders
• assist with recruiting participants and developing referral pathways to the trial by proactively engaging with, and presenting to, health and social services providers and practitioners
• maintain accurate and complete records of sessions (including session checklists, deviations from the treatment manual, session notes, attendance logs, assessment results) and adhere to research protocols
• liaise with healthcare practitioners and multidisciplinary teams to optimise participant care
• actively participate in research team meetings and engage in regular clinical supervision
• foster open communication and collaboration within the team addressing stakeholder queries and concerns in a timely manner, while building trust within immediate work networks
• managing scheduling of participant appointments
• develop and review risk management strategies, monitor risk, and implement risk management strategies
• maintain required certifications for ongoing professional practice as appropriate.

About you

• Honours or Master’s degree in psychology, with full AHPRA registration as a psychologist
• proven experience and clinical knowledge in the assessment and treatment of trauma and substance use problems in young people using CBT
• experience in the delivery of structured treatment manuals and working with research protocols
• demonstrated understanding with Good Clinical Practice, regulatory, ethical, privacy, and other relevant guidelines
• excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills and a demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with day-to-day operational matters
• demonstrated ability to organise and prioritise workload
• unrestricted NSW driver’s license for travel (reimbursement funds available).

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.

As this position is located on an NSW Health site, it is a regulatory requirement to complete compulsory employment checks for Category A prior to starting in this position. For more information and instructions, please visit: NSW Health employment requirements

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.