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• 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

The Research Assistant provides technical and research assistance across a diverse range of research projects conducted in the School of Psychology at UNSW Sydney.

About the role

• $88k - $100k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months
• Full time (35 hours)

The Research Assistant reports to the Scientia Senior Lecturer, Dr. Karly Turner, and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include: 

• Attend research meetings and training sessions, contributing to discussions and presenting as appropriate.
• Undertake unsupervised research support tasks consistent with established methodologies, as well as learning new skills as needed.
• Respond to routine enquiries relating to research.
• Liaise with stakeholders in the preparation of ethics and grant applications, abstracts, annual and progress reports.
• Perform data collection, entry, and analysis.
• Support and contribute to administrative tasks including ordering, research database maintenance, animal records and publications.
• Conduct animal experiments including monitoring, record keeping, equipment maintenance and performing procedures with care and diligence.
• Contribute to onboarding, training support and mentoring within the group.
• Conduct statistical analysis and develop reports.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health & safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the psychosocial or physical health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Completion of a degree in Psychology or a related field, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training and/or experience.
• Prior experience supporting a preclinical research project or demonstratable knowledge of standard research practices and protocols, including experience in fibre photometry, chemogenetics and pharmacology with S8 substances.
• Advanced organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise judgement and initiative to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
• Strong computer skills and previous experience with Microsoft Office suite in particular. Experience using Python and Synapse software is essential.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

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

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Karly Turner
E: karly.turner@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: December 2^nd, 2025

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.