Role type: Part-time 0.6 FTE; Continuing Research Contingent
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/ School: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
Salary: Level A - $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super 

• Lead innovative computational neuroscience research / Develop VR interventions for adolescents / Shape the future of body image understanding

• Apply now to drive groundbreaking research combining computational modelling and virtual reality to improve adolescent body image

• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities. 

The University of Melbourne 
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity 
As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, you'll lead cutting-edge computational modelling and advanced data analysis for a pioneering project on body image disturbance in adolescents. You'll develop and apply experimental tasks and computational models inspired by predictive coding and Bayesian brain theory, working towards creating a virtual reality-based intervention. This role offers you the chance to collaborate with international experts, mentor students, and make a significant impact on our understanding of body perception and potential treatments for body image disturbance.

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Develop Computational Models: Lead the creation and application of models using predictive coding, Bayesian inference, and reinforcement learning to understand body image disturbance.

• Design Experimental Tasks: Contribute to the development of paradigms optimised for computational modelling.

• Analyse Complex Data: Interpret computational mechanisms underlying body image disturbance.

• Inform VR Interventions: Integrate modelling insights to guide the design of virtual reality-based embodiment interventions.

• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with VR specialists, PhD students, and international partners to deliver high-impact research.

You may be a great fit if: 

You are a computational neuroscientist with a strong background in modelling cognition and behaviour, demonstrating excellent programming skills and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams on complex psychological phenomena.

You may also: 

• Hold a PhD in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience, computer science, or a related field.

• Demonstrate expertise in computational modelling of cognition and behaviour.

• Possess strong programming and quantitative skills (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).

• Show familiarity with predictive coding, Bayesian inference, or reinforcement learning approaches.

• Have a track record of high-quality publications in computational or cognitive neuroscience.

• Exhibit the ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams and work independently.

• Ideally have experience working with adolescents or clinical populations.

• Potentially have familiarity with embodiment or VR-based experimental paradigms.

For further information please refer to the attached PD. 

What we offer you! 
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including: 

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being 

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance 

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance 

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program 

For more information check out our benefits page! 

Your new team – Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences (MSPS), ranked among the top schools of psychology in Australia and globally, offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a profound impact in the field. With a focus on excellence in research and teaching, the School attracts exceptional students and fosters a vibrant community of academic, teaching, and research professionals. Collaborative research links with prestigious institutions and departments further enrich the academic environment

Within MSPS, the applicant will be embedded in the Eating Disorders Research Lab (http://go.unimelb.edu.au/u59i), led by Associate Professor Isabel Krug. The project the candidate will be working on forms part of a non-for-profit grant led by Cairnmillar (Professor Paul Jenkinson and Dr David Butler). The Eating Disorders Research Lab is internationally recognised for its research on eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image, with a particular focus on innovative interventions. The lab offers a highly supportive research culture, multidisciplinary collaborations, and strong mentorship in mixed-methods research, intervention development, and implementation science.

Be Yourself 
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants 
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.
  
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected] for further information and support. 

Please note: This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join Us and unlock your career potential! 
If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume 

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience 

• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description) 

Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Vanessa Phan at [email protected]. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close: 29 January 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. 

Position Description:  PD - Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Modelling and Data Analysis) 3534570.docx