Postdoctoral Research Fellow

About the Role

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will develop and apply advanced computational methods for the analysis and modelling of human brain data. The role focuses on biophysically grounded and geometrically aware generative models of large-scale brain dynamics applied to multimodal neuroimaging and electrophysiological data. 

The objectives of this work are to:

• develop, implement, and test generative models that link brain structure, geometry, and function
• use these models to explain dynamical signatures of healthy cognition and pathological states such as epilepsy and other brain disorders.  

In addition to this work, the Fellow will contribute to international training programs to disseminate knowledge on the modelling framework that would be generated as a result of this work.

About you

You thrive in collaborative settings and are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning and research environment. You value diverse perspectives and actively contribute to a culture that supports mutual respect, innovation, and continuous improvement. You are eager to work alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about making a meaningful impact through education, research, and community engagement.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A PhD in physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related discipline, with a strong quantitative and dynamical-systems focus.
• Demonstrated experience in computational modelling of brain dynamics using approaches such as neural field theory, neural mass models, or related dynamical systems frameworks, applied to empirical neuroscience or complex systems data.
• High-level programming expertise in at least two scientific languages (e.g. MATLAB, Python), including experience developing reproducible research code for simulations, data analysis, and visualisation. 
• Demonstrated experience or clear potential to contribute to supervision and mentoring of Honours, Masters, or HDR students in relevant disciplines. Preference for candidates who are actively supervising PhD students.
• Demonstrated capacity to independently plan, manage, and execute interdisciplinary complex computational modelling pipelines.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex quantitative and theoretical concepts to diverse audiences (e.g. clinicians, psychologists, engineers, and students) and to contribute constructively to a collegial team environment.
• Evidence of capacity to generate high quality peer-reviewed journal publications in geometry inspired models of brain function.

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 Us

The School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Newcastle is one of Australia’s premier psychology schools, known for its excellence in teaching, research, and clinical training. The School offers accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs that prepare students for careers in clinical, health, and research psychology.

Our research spans a wide range of disciplines including clinical psychology, neuroscience, cognition, social and organisational psychology, and personality studies. Many of our research areas are rated “well above world standard” in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings.

Students and staff benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including EEG labs, high-performance computing, and brain imaging equipment. We also operate an active Psychology Clinic, providing valuable services to the community and hands-on training for postgraduate students.

With strong industry connections and a commitment to innovation, the School of Psychological Sciences is a vibrant place to study, teach, and conduct research that makes a real-world impact.

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). 

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas and extend respect to Elders past and present. We are committed to strengthening Indigenous higher education and supporting Indigenous students and communities.

For more information click here – The University of Newcastle

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:

• Salary range from $103,745 – $111,363 plus 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous leave entitlements
• Wellbeing and support programs 
• Career development opportunities

For further information on our benefits and perks, please visit our website.

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. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Professor Michael Breakspear School of Psychological Sciences at michael.breakspear@newcastle.edu.au.

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: Monday, 9th March, 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

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.