• 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.
The Research Assistant assists with experimentation, data collection, record keeping and laboratory maintenance under the guidance of a supervisor in the Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory. The Research Assistant will work on an NHMRC funded Synergy grant (GNT2009851) in the laboratory of Professor Gavan McNally.
About the role
• $78k - $82k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months
• Full time (14 hours)
The role reports to Professor Gavan McNally and has no direct reports.
Specific responsibilities for this role include:
- Assist with the performance of stereotaxic surgery on mice for viral transduction and fibre optic placement.
- Conduct post-operative monitoring and maintenance of mice and rats.
- Provide assistance with behavioural testing and fibre photometry of mice, including home cage alcohol consumption, instrumental and Pavlovian conditioning studies.
- Under the guidance of a supervisor, perform cryosectioning of brain tissue, immunohistochemistry, bright field and fluorescence microscopy.
- Conduct basic analysis of data from home cage consumption, instrumental and Pavlovian conditioning studies.
- Maintain appropriate laboratory records.
- Assist with routine laboratory maintenance (e.g. general tidy, animal deliveries, place orders for basic laboratory supplies)
- Undertake other routine research support tasks consistent with established methodologies.
- Attend research meetings and training sessions.
- Respond to routine enquiries related to the research project.
- Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
- 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 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, or currently undertaking 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 in a behavioural neuroscience laboratory obtained through work or study.
- Demonstrated ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
- Strong computer skills and previous experience with Microsoft Office Suite and SPSS.
- 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:
Gavan McNally
E: g.mcnally@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: May 13th, 2025
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.
