Senior Research Associate (Adolescent Mental Health)

• Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week)
• Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term contract (extension possible, pending funding)
• Remuneration: From $123k base (+ 17% Super, leave loading)
• Working rights: Full working rights for the duration of the contract will be required
• Location: Kensington, Sydney (Hybrid working available, min 2 days in the office)

Black Dog Institute

The Black Dog Institute is a Medical Research Institute affiliated with UNSW Sydney, and a global leader in translational mental health research. We are the only medical research institute in Australia that investigates mental health across the lifespan—from childhood to adulthood.

Through Science, Compassion, and Action, we conduct translational research. What does this mean? It’s about focusing on the big picture—connecting the dots between research studies, education programs, expert knowledge, digital tools, and lived experience. By translating research into practical, evidence-based solutions, we aim to create real-world change that improves mental health outcomes for all Australians.

We focus on better treatments, better programs, and a better understanding of mental health to make a real-world impact.

Why this role matters

The role of Senior Research Associate is based in the Adolescent Mental Health Research Team at the Black Dog Institute and is linked to a project examining the effects of recreational screen use on the mental health and lives of Australian adolescents.

This project uses already collected data from a longitudinal cohort involving over 6,300 participants, from the Future Proofing Study. Details about some of the data available for analysis is outlined in our Adolescent Screen and Mental Health Report. The aim of the project is to understand the risks and benefits associated with different profiles of screen use during adolescence, and effects on a range of health, social, cognitive, and educational outcomes including through linkage to NSW government education and health datasets (e.g., NAPLAN, hospital records). The incumbent will be actively involved in the preparation and analysis of self-report and linked data, and will assist with and lead literature reviews, ethics applications, data analysis, preparation of manuscripts, grant applications, and dissemination materials and reports.

Some key skills required:

• A PhD in a related discipline (psychology, epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, health economics or a related field), and/or relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• A track record of statistical analysis expertise and experience in a range of statistical modelling techniques in the context of large and/or complex datasets.
• A track record in the preparation, cleaning and analysis of linked administrative education and/or health data.
• High level communication skills and ability to work effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.

Please refer to the position description for full details.

UNSW Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​
• Flexible working ​
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​
• Progressive HR practices​

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

How to apply:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below. Please provide a resume and a cover letter briefly addressing the criteria listed in the position description. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact (role related questions only)

A/Professor Aliza Werner-Seidler E: [email protected]

Applications close: Sunday 23rd March 2025 before 11.30pm

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.