Join a world-class, international research collaboration exploring the brain’s role in bipolar disorder
Full-time, fixed-term (until Aug 2027) position at our Hawthorn campus
Academic Level B salary + 17% super and staff benefits

About the Role
Swinburne University of Technology is seeking a skilled and motivated Research Fellow and Project Manager to support an exciting international study funded by the US-based BD² (Breakthrough Discoveries for thriving with Bipolar Disorder). This collaborative project—run in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley and University College London—examines how circadian rhythms influence reward system activation in individuals with bipolar disorder. The Australian arm of the study is led by Professor Greg Murray and Dr Catherine Orr.

In this role, you will manage the day-to-day operations of the Australian site. Your responsibilities will include coordinating participant recruitment, training staff, and overseeing data collection. Each participant will undergo an evening fMRI scan, followed by two weeks of monitoring using actigraphy and Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). On average, about 60% of your role will focus on these coordination tasks. As imaging sessions take place in the evening, some work outside regular hours will be required.

The remaining 40% of your role will involve research and professional development. You will have the opportunity to contribute to academic publications in areas such as mood disorders, neuroimaging, and EMA. You will also be supported in applying for research funding and assist with supervising research students. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career within a high-profile, international research network.

We are looking for a candidate with a background in mental health research and experience with relevant methods such as fMRI, actigraphy, or EMA. Strong communication skills, an understanding of research ethics, and experience working with clinical populations are essential. Experience with REDCap, structured clinical interviews, and managing large research studies will be highly regarded, as will a developing track record in academic publishing or professional research engagement.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to important research in bipolar disorder and to work alongside leading experts in a global, interdisciplinary team.

About You
To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:

Knowledge and experience in research methods relevant to mental health, particularly fMRI, actigraphy and/or EMA.
Excellent communication skills and an ability to develop a good rapport with participants, investigators and project staff.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Working knowledge of ethical principles relevant to conducting research with clinical populations.
Demonstrated experience in coordinating or working on large studies of people with mental health problems.
Demonstrated experience with clinical assessments and structured clinical interviews in mental health.
Demonstrated experience with REDCap or other data management platform.
Experience in engaging with end-users to facilitate recruitment in the conduct of research.
Emerging reputation in research and scholarship through publications and/or discipline engagement.

Qualifications
PhD in psychology or other relevant discipline and/or other relevant qualifications and experience.

About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

To Apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing your suitability for this position. To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

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Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

Applications Close: Thursday 12 June 2025, at 11.00pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process.