Postdoctoral Research Associate in Placebo and Nocebo Effects

• Full time, 3-year fixed term. Located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Psychology

• Be part of a leading international lab working on placebo and nocebo effects

• Base Salary, Level A, $105,314 - $116,679 p.a + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The School of Psychology is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Placebo and Nocebo Effects. The position forms part of Professor Ben Colagiuri’s laboratory and will involve conducing experimental research on placebo and nocebo effects in pain, nausea and other relevant conditions, with a particular interest in socially-induced nocebo effects.

Your key responsibilities will be:

• to design and conduct experimental research on placebo/nocebo effects, particularly social-induced nocebo effects

• applying and managing relevant ethics approvals

• data handling and analysis

• drafting and editing manuscripts for publication

• supervising and supporting junior staff and students

• contributing to the day-to-day running of the laboratory.

The School of Psychology consistently ranks among the best in the world. In the most recent QS World University Rankings, the School ranked in the Top 3 Psychology departments in Australia and the Top 30 in the world, with the University of Sydney ranking in the Top 20 universities in the world..

The School is one of eight in the Faculty of Science and has a global reputation for its outstanding research and teaching, with strengths in Experimental Psychology (e.g. perception, learning, cognition), Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience (e.g. animal models, neural systems, computational modelling), Applied Psychology (e.g. health, coaching, social, and individual differences), and Clinical Psychology (adult and child mental health, aging/dementia, addiction). The School delivers world class education across accredited programmes at all levels; Bachelor, Honours, Master of Clinical Psychology, and Higher Degree Research tracks (PhD, MPhil) as well as a Master of Science in Coaching Psychology. The School is very well-resourced and is renowned for its supportive environment whereby success comes from collaboration and mentoring among our staff. The School is also part of several Multi-Disciplinary Initiatives (e.g. Brain & Mind Centre, Charles Perkins Centre) providing excellent opportunities to work in high impact multi-disciplinary teams.

Professor Colagiuri��s laboratory is well-funded, including multiple Australian Research Grants. The laboratory consists of about 10 staff and students and is well resourced, with state-of-the-art equipment pain, nausea, and psychophysiological equipment.

To learn more about the School of Psychology, click here.

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 Postdoctoral Research Associate who has:

• a PhD or near completion on placebo/nocebo effects

• experience conducting placebo/nocebo research using social learning designs

• record of publication on placebo/nocebo effects or related field

• strong technical and data analysis skills

• excellent communication skills.

Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment 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.

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