Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Modelling & Data Analysis at University of Melbourne

Parkville, Maryland, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 Apr, 26

Salary

118416.0

Posted On

15 Jan, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Computational Neuroscience, Modelling Cognition, Behaviour Analysis, Programming Skills, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Predictive Coding, Bayesian Inference, Reinforcement Learning, Data Analysis, Virtual Reality, Experimental Design, Mentoring, High-Quality Publications, Adolescent Experience, Clinical Populations, Embodiment

Industry

Education Administration Programs

Description

Role type: Part-time 0.6 FTE; Continuing Research Contingent Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences Department/ School: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences Salary: Level A - $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super Lead innovative computational neuroscience research / Develop VR interventions for adolescents / Shape the future of body image understanding Apply now to drive groundbreaking research combining computational modelling and virtual reality to improve adolescent body image Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities. The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website. Your next career opportunity As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, you'll lead cutting-edge computational modelling and advanced data analysis for a pioneering project on body image disturbance in adolescents. You'll develop and apply experimental tasks and computational models inspired by predictive coding and Bayesian brain theory, working towards creating a virtual reality-based intervention. This role offers you the chance to collaborate with international experts, mentor students, and make a significant impact on our understanding of body perception and potential treatments for body image disturbance. Your responsibilities will include: Develop Computational Models: Lead the creation and application of models using predictive coding, Bayesian inference, and reinforcement learning to understand body image disturbance. Design Experimental Tasks: Contribute to the development of paradigms optimised for computational modelling. Analyse Complex Data: Interpret computational mechanisms underlying body image disturbance. Inform VR Interventions: Integrate modelling insights to guide the design of virtual reality-based embodiment interventions. Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with VR specialists, PhD students, and international partners to deliver high-impact research. You may be a great fit if: You are a computational neuroscientist with a strong background in modelling cognition and behaviour, demonstrating excellent programming skills and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams on complex psychological phenomena. You may also: Hold a PhD in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience, computer science, or a related field. Demonstrate expertise in computational modelling of cognition and behaviour. Possess strong programming and quantitative skills (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB). Show familiarity with predictive coding, Bayesian inference, or reinforcement learning approaches. Have a track record of high-quality publications in computational or cognitive neuroscience. Exhibit the ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams and work independently. Ideally have experience working with adolescents or clinical populations. Potentially have familiarity with embodiment or VR-based experimental paradigms. For further information please refer to the attached PD. What we offer you! We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including: Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program For more information check out our benefits page! Your new team – Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences (MSPS), ranked among the top schools of psychology in Australia and globally, offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a profound impact in the field. With a focus on excellence in research and teaching, the School attracts exceptional students and fosters a vibrant community of academic, teaching, and research professionals. Collaborative research links with prestigious institutions and departments further enrich the academic environment Within MSPS, the applicant will be embedded in the Eating Disorders Research Lab (http://go.unimelb.edu.au/u59i), led by Associate Professor Isabel Krug. The project the candidate will be working on forms part of a non-for-profit grant led by Cairnmillar (Professor Paul Jenkinson and Dr David Butler). The Eating Disorders Research Lab is internationally recognised for its research on eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image, with a particular focus on innovative interventions. The lab offers a highly supportive research culture, multidisciplinary collaborations, and strong mentorship in mixed-methods research, intervention development, and implementation science. Be Yourself The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb. We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page. Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au for further information and support. Please note: This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available. A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost. Join Us and unlock your career potential! If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: Resume Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description) Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs. For recruitment queries, email Vanessa Phan at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address. For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description. Applications close: 29 January 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. Position Description: PD - Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Modelling and Data Analysis) 3534570.docx Explore leadership opportunities to shape the future and growth of the University of Melbourne - Executive Opportunities Welcome to the University of Melbourne – where our vision for positive societal change creates impact. Join our community of world-class thinkers, where innovation thrives, and your ideas shape the future. Why choose us? You'll work among the best, pushing the boundaries of knowledge with passion. Whether you're driving groundbreaking research, inspiring the next generation through teaching, or providing essential professional services, we empower you to excel. At the University of Melbourne, your potential is our priority. Elevate your career, make a real difference, and be part of a diverse community that values your unique contribution. Your journey to professional and personal growth starts here. Discover more at - https://about.unimelb.edu.au/ At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enriching society through education and research. Through our strategy "Advancing Melbourne," we're not just shaping our own future; we're shaping the future of the state, the nation, and our global community. Together, we propel Australia forward, positioning it as an ambitious, forward-thinking leader on the world stage. Our staff play a key role in elevating Australia's reputation and influence globally. Your contributions are the driving force behind our ambition to be a leading force for positive change. Join us, and let's advance Melbourne – and the world – together. Discover more The University has committed to a strategic vision which aims to create a thriving, fair and diverse university community, working together respectfully to make a difference to each other and in the world. Join us on our journey to build a future where everyone in our community can feel a strong sense of belonging, and diverse perspectives fuel success. Discover more Want to know more about us, our processes, or future opportunities? We would love to connect with you! Get in touch with our friendly Talent Acquisition team at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au

Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will lead the development of computational models and experimental tasks to understand body image disturbance in adolescents. They will also collaborate with various specialists to design virtual reality-based interventions.