At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct cutting-edge research in language acquisition and collaborate with leading experts.
- Company: Join the University of Sydney's School of Psychology, a hub for innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 17% superannuation, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cognitive science while mentoring junior researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD in psychology or linguistics; experience in computational modelling or relevant languages.
The predicted salary is between 117936 - 142475 $ per year.
Full time, 2 years fixed term, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Psychology. 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:
- Conduct and publish high‐quality, cutting‐edge research in the science of language.
- Collaborate 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.
- Prepare manuscripts and contribute to high‐quality research outputs.
- Provide intellectual leadership and mentoring to junior researchers.
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 have 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.
Applications Close: Sunday 13 September 2026 11:59 PM. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. The University may conduct routine pre‐employment checks before an appointment is made.
Want to know more about working at the University of Sydney? https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us.html
Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow (Cognitive Science of Language) in Sydney employer: University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is an exceptional employer, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, offering a supportive and culturally safe environment that fosters professional growth and community engagement. With generous benefits such as cultural leave, flexible working arrangements, and access to Indigenous professional development programs, employees are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Indigenous health education. Joining this prestigious institution means being part of a dedicated community committed to improving health outcomes and embedding First Nations perspectives into the curriculum.
