About

Exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A) to join the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will lead a research program to evaluate, optimize and disseminate strategies to prevent harm from alcohol and drug use, including co-occurring Full-Time, 12-month Fixed-Term (with opportunity for extension) with base salary of $109,263 + 17% superannuation About the opportunity The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use provides a world-first synergy of leading prevention, early intervention and treatment research and translation programs in substance use and mental disorders. The Matilda Centre brings together researchers in broad fields to share skills, integrate data, and harness new technologies to develop and trial innovative prevention, early intervention and treatment programs for substance use and mental disorders. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled researcher with an interest in the prevention and treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns with a desire to work on translating research evidence into policy and practice. We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A) to contribute to our growing research program focused on the prevention and treatment of alcohol and other drug (AOD) harms. In this role, you will develop and lead a research program to identify modifiable risk factors for alcohol/drug use harms and explore ways to optimize prevention and early intervention approaches. This will include building upon existing programs of work on the treatment of co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions such as the Inroads anxiety and alcohol program. You also will play an active role in the translation of research knowledge into practice, liaising with the Australian Government Department of Health and peak alcohol and other drug and mental health sector organizations. As part of the leadership team for the Positive Choices national alcohol and drug prevention initiative, you will lead the development of resources, webinars and workshops to disseminate research evidence and equip school staff, allied health professionals and parents to deliver the most effective AOD prevention and mental health promotion strategies. Your key responsibilities will be to: Design and lead a program of research to identify modifiable risk factors for mental health concerns and alcohol/drug use harms to optimize prevention, early intervention, and treatment approaches; Lead preparation of research outputs, including conducting statistical analyses and preparing peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations; Lead grant submissions for category one grant applications; Undertake research, systematic review of the literature and resource development to equip school staff, educators and parents to implement evidence-based AOD prevention strategies; Supervise junior staff and oversee management of the Positive Choices AOD prevention initiative, including reviewing and updating content in line with new evidence, and development of new evidence-informed content to meet identified needs; Liaise and work in partnership with the Australian Government Department of Health, maintain strong relationships and contribute to the compliance and reporting processes, including managing the project budget; Co-ordinate and implementing outreach activities to increase community awareness of evidence-based alcohol and drug prevention strategies. These activities include social media engagement and delivery of conference, workshop and webinar for educators, parents, researchers, and the broader community. In your application, please provide a statement systematically addressing each of the selection criteria below. The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Research Fellow who can demonstrate the following key skills, qualifications and attributes: About you holds (or soon to be conferred) a PhD in psychology, public health, behavioural or social sciences, or related field; proven experience conducting research in the fields of mental health AND substance use prevention, early intervention, or treatment, including experience conducting clinical trials of digital interventions; experience in health promotion/education and translation of research into practice an emerging track record of research dissemination, as evidenced by peer reviewed publications and conference presentations; previous experience contributing to grant submissions in mental health or substance use; proven experience in statistical analysis and reporting of research data (quantitative and qualitative), including clinical trial data using statistical software packages such as R; high-level organisational skills and proven ability to deal with multiple tasks, establish priorities, and meet deadlines; awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and ethical considerations relevant to research and health promotion with culturally diverse populations, excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills and a proven ability to work both independently and constructively within a research team. Sponsorship / work rights for Australia You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. Pre-employment checks Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment. This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012. EEO statement At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. How to apply Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply. For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Roshik Prasad, Recruitment Operations by email to roshik.prasad@sydney.edu.au © The University of Sydney The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. Click to view the Position Description for this role. Applications Close Thursday 29 January 2026 11:59 PM Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! So once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might interest you! The University values are excellence, trust and accountability. The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. The University of Sydney may conduct routine pre-employment checks before an appointment is made. Want to know more about working at the University of Sydney? https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us.html