Python Job: Research Associate - Cognitive Resilience and Agei

• 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 is one of the largest and most prestigious schools in Australia. The School is located in the Faculty of Science and has approximately 50 full time members of academic staff, 15 general staff and an operating budget of over $12M.

The Research Associate will be responsible for helping develop and coordinate behavioural imaging projects within an ARC Laureate program on Cognitive Resilience and Ageing led by Professor Kaarin Anstey at the UNSW School of Psychology. Under the supervision of Professor Anstey, the role will involve working with the team to develop and pilot protocols suitable for functional MRI and functional near-infrared spectroscopy, assist with participant assessment, data collection, processing, and analysis.

About the role

• $100k - $107k plus 17% Superannuation, annual leave loading and clinical loading (12k)
• Fixed Term – 2 years
• Part-time (21 hours per week)

The role will report to Professor Kaarin Anstey and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Assist with the development and programming of experimental protocols in cognitive ageing in adults (i.e., to probe changes in sensory perception and acuity, neurocognitive function, dynamic naturalistic activities, digital media use, social and cognitive engagement).
• Work closely with Imaging Facility staff (MRI), technical support staff (fNIRS), and the research team to set up and implement cognitive ageing imaging projects using fMRI or wireless portable fNIR, including developing expertise in associated software, helping with sequence design/cap configuration, and managing data acquisition, pre-processing, quality control, analysis and visualisation.
• Conduct research in cognitive ageing and as part of a team, including leading some areas of the project where the opportunity arises and where appropriate.
• Assist with scheduling and coordinating participant sessions for the Laureate program studies, including participant screening, preparation, and debriefing during sessions, data collection and managing data transfer and de-identification.
• Engage in regular training related to MR safety, technical skills, data processing and analysis, as well as in research ethics, data privacy and research integrity as required.
• Assist with research reporting and analysis, including posters, manuscripts and presentations for scientific meetings and/or grant submissions.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated expertise with fMRI analysis, and working knowledge of other neuroimaging methods including fNIRS and EEG highly desirable.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills, including experience with project management, working with research participants, and familiarity with research ethics.
• Strong statistical and computer programming skills, including data processing and analysis (e.g., MATLAB, SPM, Freesurfer, FSL, R, SPSS, GraphPad PRISM, Shell & Git).
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Excellent knowledge of brain anatomy, cognition, and an interest in cognitive ageing and dementia.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Experience with using software for laboratory-based (e.g PsychoPy/Python, Presentation, Psychtoolbox/MATLAB) and online experiments (e.g. JavaScript)
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety 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. For informal queries, please see the below contact details.

Otherwise, please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Contact:
Kaarin Anstey
E: [email protected]

Applications close: March 6th, 2023

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.