Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow (Cognitive Science of Language)

• Full time, 2 years fixed term, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Psychology

• Conduct and publish high‑quality, cutting‑edge research in the science of language

• Base Salary, Academic level A/B $117,936 - $142,475 p.a + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Psychology at the University of Sydney is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow (Cognitive Science of Language) to conduct research in language acquisition, focusing on either computational models of language learning (including modelling language bootstrapping from thought) or experimental and corpus‑based studies of Formosan and/or Australian language acquisition.

Key responsibilities include:

• collaborating with Associate Professor Hartshorne and members of the research group

• acting as lead researcher and primary point of contact for the project

• designing, collecting, and analysing data using appropriate computational, experimental, or corpus‑based methods

• preparing manuscripts and contributing to high‑quality research outputs

• providing intellectual leadership and mentoring junior researcher.

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 / Research Fellow who has:

• a PhD in psychology, linguistics, or a closely related discipline

• for the computational modelling stream: prior publications in computational modelling

• for research on Formosan languages: excellent spoken and written Mandarin

• for research on Formosan and/or Australian languages: prior publications on the relevant language(s).

Candidates should indicate which level they wish to apply for; however, the selection panel reserves the right to make offers based on its appraisal of the candidate’s skills, experience, and knowledge.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

  Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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 diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications via the Apply button at the top of the page. The application should include:

Cover Letter (Max 2 pages) that:

• Indicates the level for which you are applying

• Explicitly addresses each of the above selection criteria

• Lists any career disruptions that should be taken into consideration in relation to your achievements relative to opportunity.

CV (Max 4 pages) that includes:

• Relevant education/employment

• Relevant publications and grants received, including list of all authors/investigators in authorship order

• Relevant teaching/supervision experience

• Any other details you consider relevant.

do not submit any other additional supporting information. This will be requested if needed.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Simon Drew, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources at [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 13 September 2026 11:59 PM