Careers at UniSC

• Thompson Institute | UniSC Thompson Institute, Birtinya
• Part time (29 hours per week), fixed term appointment for 10 months
• Academic Level A - $80,531 - $109,044 p.a (pro rata)., plus up to 17% employer superannuation

Thompson Institute

UniSC’s Thompson Institute addresses society’s most pressing brain disorders. We integrate world-class research, clinical services and education under one roof, because it enables fast translation of research breakthroughs into practice. Everything we do is underpinned by neuroscience. This uncovers promising new insights into mental health and how it is linked to our brain structure and function. 

For more information, please visit us online: Thompson Institute

The Opportunity

The Thompson Institute is a world-class facility advancing mental health and neurological research, clinical services, and teaching. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead and contribute to a 10-month qualitative study exploring the role of lived experience in designing integrated mental health care for people with co-occurring psychosis and eating disorders.

You will:

• lead and support participatory research, including co-design with lived experience networks and clinical services;
• conduct qualitative data collection, thematic analysis, and contribute to research outputs, including publications, reports, and clinical guidelines;
• engage with stakeholders to translate research into meaningful, culturally responsive practice; and
• support supervision of higher degree research students and contribute to a collaborative academic environment.

About you:

You’ll be a passionate and driven researcher with experience in qualitative and participatory mental health research, particularly involving lived experience in co-design and integrated care. With a strong commitment to improving outcomes for people with complex mental health conditions, you’ll demonstrate excellent skills in stakeholder engagement, thematic analysis, and translating research into practice. Your collaborative approach and dedication to academic excellence will enable you to contribute meaningfully to research teams, publications, and the development of evidence-based resources that make a lasting impact on mental health care.

You will possess:

• Completion or near-completion of a PhD in mental health, cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, or a related field;
• Experience in qualitative, participatory, or applied research methods;
• Commitment to lived experience-led research, either through personal experience or collaborative work;
• Knowledge or interest in complex mental health conditions and integrated mental-physical healthcare; and
• Strong collaboration, communication, and collegial skills to thrive in a positive academic environment.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position Description: Postdoctoral Research Fellow PD

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through our website. To apply please visit our website at Careers at UniSC

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 23 November 2025. 

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, and responses to specific pre-determined selection criteria as outlined in the application form.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Professor Daniel Hermens
Deputy Director and Professor of Youth Mental Health and Neurobiology - Thompson Institute
Telephone: 07 5456 5105
Email: dhermens@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland and a growing footprint in major capital cities.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. According to the 2024/25 Good Universities Guide we have five-star ratings from key areas including teaching quality, overall educational experience, learning resources, skills development, social equity, student support and learner engagement. Overall for teaching quality, we’re number one in Australia (postgraduate), and number one in Queensland (undergraduate).

Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 research fields ranked well above world standard, characterised by evidence of outstanding performance according to the Excellence Research for Australia Rankings. In 2024,  we moved 97 places to be in the top 110 institutions in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings (2024).

At UniSC you will have the opportunity to shape the educational landscape and inspire the minds of future generations. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your teaching and research endeavours.

We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.