Research Associate

Salary: $117,226 – $139,207 plus 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading

Position: Full-time, 2 year fixed term 

Location: Newcastle, NSW/work from home

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Post Doctorate Research Associate to contribute to a national research initiative focused on improving the diagnosis of syndromic intellectual disability through the integration of advanced technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and genomic data. The FaceMatch project (facematch.org.au) is a Genomic Mission MRFF funded study. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of genomics, data science, and clinical research, with the potential to directly improve diagnostic outcomes and early intervention for children and families.

Core responsibilities

• Coordinate the design, implementation, and evaluation of AI-enabled facial image analysis within a large-scale longitudinal child health study, supporting the development of a screening model to triage children with features suggestive of a genetic syndrome for early developmental assessment and genetic testing.
• Manage the development of a national phenotyping and genomic data resource, integrating facial features with genomic and diagnostic information from individuals with intellectual disability, both diagnosed and undiagnosed.
• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of AI-enhanced facial image analysis to support variant interpretation and novel gene discovery in children with syndromic intellectual disability who remain undiagnosed following exome sequencing.
• Foster national collaboration through secure and ethical data-sharing practices with clinicians, researchers, and health consumer communities.
• Contribute to knowledge translation and dissemination through publications, presentations, and engagement with consumer groups.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Expertise: Completed a doctoral qualification in computer vision, machine learning, digital health or a related area with strong programming skills.
• High-Quality Research: Demonstrated record of publication or non-traditional research output in high-quality outlets, including evidence of international and national research collaborations and/or partnerships in the areas of computer vision, machine learning, and health data analytics.
• National Recognition: Demonstrated recent ability to achieve national recognition in their discipline and to take a chief investigator role (often in conjunction with more experienced researchers) in applications for external research funds.
• Supervision: Skills in active supervision of honours, master's and/or Higher Degree by Research postgraduate research projects.
• Engagement: Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in allocated internal roles, contribute to academic service responsibilities, and support the work and outcomes of internal committees. Proven capacity to build external collaborations and to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Position Description.

If you’re ready to join a university that’s committed to equity and excellence, and to contribute to a community that values your expertise and vision, we encourage you to apply.

About FaceMatch

Intellectual disability is one of the greatest unmet challenges in healthcare, affecting 1 in 200 children. While most moderate to severe cases are caused by single-gene variants, more than half of affected individuals remain undiagnosed despite advances in genetic testing. A timely molecular diagnosis is critical—not only to guide management, reduce unnecessary investigations, and enable access to clinical trials, but also to give families clarity, reduce isolation, and support reproductive decision-making.

Facial features often hold important clues to the underlying genetic cause of intellectual disability. The FaceMatch platform is a world-first, award-winning initiative, co-designed with clinicians, researchers, and families, to improve diagnostic accuracy and discover new genes. Unlike other tools, FaceMatch allows parents to contribute images across the age spectrum, making it uniquely suited to clinical practice and large-scale research.

Using AI-enhanced facial analysis, this project aims to:

• Develop an early screening model to identify children at risk of developmental delay and enable timely intervention.
• Enhance interpretation of uncertain genetic variants and accelerate novel gene discovery.
• Build a national resource that fosters collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and families.

This project will directly advance precision medicine for children with syndromic intellectual disability, with profound benefits for families and the healthcare system.

Our university

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader with a reputation for excellence in education and research. Ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact, our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

We are proud to be one of the first two Universities in Australia to achieve SAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditation for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion (GEDI). 

What we offer

The university offers a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance for all staff, including:

• 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options and annual leave loading
• Generous leave entitlements
• Wellbeing and support programs that promote mental, physical, and emotional health
• Career development opportunities

How to Apply

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application.  

Your application must include:

• Your ORCID ID.
• A URL link to your University Academic Profile (or equivalent).
• A Cover Letter and Statement (uploaded as a single PDF):
• Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role and providing details of 3 referees.
• Statement (max. 4 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as listed in the position description. 
• Your CV (max. 5 pages) tailored to your discipline

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. It’s important you read this information to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application. 

Additional Information

• You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• This role involves child-related work and requires a current Working with Children Check (NSW)

For specific position enquiries, please contact Henry Gomez, Senior Project Officer, School of Medicine and Public Health at henry.gomez@newcastle.edu.au or on +61 240420832. 

Reasonable Adjustments 

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process. 

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience.

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.

Application close date: Sunday 15 February 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

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