Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Full-time 12 month fixed-term opportunity for a dedicated Postdoctoral Research Associate
• Join a world-leading musculoskeletal health research institute
• Base Salary from $93,424 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Professor Christine Lin research team within the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, a unique partnership between the University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District. The Institute brings together internationally recognised researchers, clinicians, and consumers to address one of the world's most significant health challenges: musculoskeletal conditions, the leading cause of disability globally.

As populations continue to age, the burden of musculoskeletal conditions is expected to increase substantially. The Institute is uniquely positioned to tackle this challenge through high-quality, patient-focused and collaborative research that delivers meaningful real-world impact. Combining the resources of a large Local Health District with world-leading researchers from the Sydney MedicalSchool, the Institute provides an environment unlike any other nationally or internationally.

You will join a team led by Professor Christine Lin, an internationally recognised leader in musculoskeletal health and back pain research. Her research has transformed how back pain is conceptualised and managed globally, demonstrating the limitations and potential harms of traditional approaches while establishing the evidence base for contemporary treatments now recommended in national and international clinical guidelines.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate across extensive national and international research networks and contribute to research that informs clinical practice, policy, and healthcare delivery.

The Institute has a strong track record of producing world-class research and translating findings into practical applications that improve health outcomes.

The Institute's vision is to optimise musculoskeletal health and physical activity through high-quality, patient-centered, collaborative research. Equally important is its commitment to translating evidence into policy and practice, developing the next generation of musculoskeletal researchers, and supporting sustainable and cost-effective healthcare services.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• conduct high-quality research independently and as part of a collaborative research team
• contribute to scholarly publications, conference presentations, and research outputs
• develop and refine independent research skills with increasing autonomy
• ensure quality, standards and excellence are maintained across research activities and outputs
• engage with academic, clinical, industry and professional stakeholders to support research outcomes
• provide informal mentoring and support to students where appropriate
• contribute to faculty, school, and project administration activities
• foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative research culture aligned with university values.

About you

• hold a PhD in a relevant discipline or be near completion at the time of appointment
• experience using statistical software packages for data management and analysis, such as R, STATA or SPSS, is desirable.
• demonstrated experience conducting original research and contributing to scholarly activities
• an emerging research profile evidenced by publications and research outputs relative to opportunity
• demonstrated understanding of musculoskeletal health, public health, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, or a related discipline
• excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences
• strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary research environments
• ability to develop productive relationships with academic, clinical, and professional stakeholders.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

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 (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

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 Danielle Selinger Recruitment Consultant by email to [email protected]

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Thursday 19 November 2026 11:59 PM