Research Psychologist - The University of Sydney - EducationCareer

First listed on: 12 November 2018

Research Psychologist

  • Opportunity to execute the psychological research strategy within Melanoma Institute Australia
  • Located at Melanoma Institute Australia
  • Part time opportunity for 3 years. Base salary of $127K - $169K p.a. (pro rata) plus superannuation

About the opportunity 

The primary purpose of the Research Psychologist role is to implement research activities related to survivorship and supportive care in melanoma at Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA).

MIA’s Supportive Care and Survivorship Research Program was established in 2017 as one of the five research themes at MIA (the other themes are Prevention and Patients at High Risk of Melanoma, Early Stage Melanoma, Advanced Melanoma and Health Economics). This program is based at the Poche Centre in North Sydney, with strong links to and support from other melanoma researchers at The University of Sydney and also at UNSW and Macquarie University. Our program focuses on the issues that are important to people with melanoma, their families, healthcare teams and the community, in order to better understand the complex challenges posed at all stages of this disease, and to develop new and innovative ways of transforming these challenges. This is a greenfield opportunity to develop and expand a program of research with the support and assistance of a world renowned, awarding winning team of melanoma researchers.

The Research Psychologist will be responsible for assisting in the strategic alignment and development of this position as well as expansion and coordination, as directed by MIAs Co-Medical Directors.  A suite of qualitative and quantitative research studies relevant to supportive care and survivorship for patients with all stages of melanoma will be the major focus of this role.

The position is part time (0.5 FTE) which is equivalent to 2.5 days per week and will report to the MIA Co-Medical Directors Prof Georgina Long and Prof Richard Scolyer. The position is funded by a donation from The Friends of the Mater Foundation, and the successful applicant will have access to the resources of the Mater Hospital and The Patricia Ritchie Centre, as well as MIA.

About you

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 Psychologist who possesses: 

  • Masters or higher degree in Psychology or related field
  • demonstrated experience and success in evolving high quality psychological research in a collaborative environment, including publication of research results in peer-review journals
  • demonstrated understanding of and ability to conduct research involving psychological issues associated with medical illness at all stages of the life course, and a strong understanding of the psychological dynamics associated with critical or chronic illness
  • knowledge of evidence-based psychology practice for the range of psychological disorders
  • willingness to apply for additional research funding
  • excellent written and verbal communication skills, with particular emphasis on oral communication with research participants (telephone, video, online), with high level academic writing skills
  • proven ability to be both self-directed and work in a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers
  • strong planning and time management skills, with good networked relationships relevant to psycho-oncology and demonstrated skills in team and research administration
  • proven IT skills, with knowledge and experience using research-related computer programs such as SPSS, NVivo and Endnote
  • ability and capacity to implement required MIA Health safety policies and procedures.

About us

The MIA is a world leader in melanoma research, clinical care and education.  Incorporated in 2007, MIA represents the next stage of evolution for the Sydney Melanoma Unit (SMU) and aims to build on ground breaking work dating back to the early 1960’s. 

The evolution of MIA was made possible by a $40 Million benefaction from Greg Poche AO.  These funds enabled the construction of the Poche Centre - a purpose built centre focusing on melanoma treatment, research and care. The Poche Centre represents the opportunity to centralise MIA’s operations and establishes a “headquarters” for melanoma research, care and education within Australia.   

The purpose of MIA is to be a unifying force, improving the lives of Australians who have melanoma and to prevent others from suffering with this disease.

MIA is and will continue to be the leading centre for melanoma research, clinical care and training.  MIA aims to establish the standard of care for melanoma in Australia and contributes to the development of international clinical care standards.  We are highly respected within the community.

MIA is a custodian of one of the largest clinical datasets for melanoma in the world.  The research conducted with this dataset continues to provide answers about melanoma and contributes to the establishment of International standards for the disease.

MIA achieves its purpose through patient care, research, training, education and advocacy.

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion, and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia’s first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.  

How to apply

For more information on the position and University, please view the candidate information pack available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number (2231/1118F) to apply.

Closing date: 11.30pm Monday 26 November 2018

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 of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.