Full time Fixed term up to 22 December 2027, located on the Camperdown Campus at the Sydney School of Medical Sciences
Exciting opportunity to contribute to an external funded research project using magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography to track regional brain changes during the development of chronic pain
Base Salary Level A $ 113,634 p.a. - $ 117,936 p .a., + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The School of Medical Sciences is recognised as one of the leading centres for medical science education in the world. With over 100 years of excellence in education, we are proud to be training the next generation of medical scientists who will be leading members of the medical research community with an innovative integrated curriculum. Our team of researchers lead key internationally competitive research from molecules to medicines, from patient to policy across a range of therapeutic areas.
We are now recruiting a fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate in Pain Neurobiology and Brain Imaging to support research in defining the neural underpinnings of the chronification of neuropathic pain They will conduct research and scholarly activities under the limited supervision of senior academic staff, and they will assist in the development and management of research activities that use structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography techniques to map regional changes in brain structure and function during pain chronification.
Reporting Professor Luke Henderson , your key responsibilities will be:
conduct research, scholarly or professional activity, independently or as part of a team, contributing to discipline knowledge
develop and refine independent research skills under the supervision of more senior academic staff (with an increasing degree of autonomy)
ensures quality, standards and excellence are maintained in any research activities and output.
provide informal mentoring and advice to students within discipline (where appropriate)
contribute to a positive workplace culture in which diversity of thought, contribution, collaboration, excellence and achieving outcomes are valued and enabled
interacts with students, staff and other members of the University community in a professional, collegial and respectful manner
undertake other duties and contribute to projects appropriate within the classification level as required.
About you
We are seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate in Pain Neurobiology and Brain Imaging who has:
been awarded a PhD or preparing for PhD thesis submission in pain processing and human brain imaging
a developing research profile evidenced by original, high-quality and independent research in functional brain imaging
experience in ultra-high field functional magnetic resonance imaging data acquisition and analysis
experience running clinical studies and experience collecting chronic pain patient quantitative sensory testing data
experience with patient recruitment and assessment.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Pre-employment checks and declarations
Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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.
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, including one-page research project outline CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Helen Efstathiou, Recruitment Consultant, Recruitment Operations on +61 2 8627 7137 or by email [email protected]
© The University of Sydney
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close
Monday 27 July 2026 11:59 PM
