Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantitative Modelling of Sleep and Alertness

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantitative Modelling of Sleep and Alertness • Full time, fixed term until 13th Jan 2027, with a possibility of extension. Located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Physics • Exciting opportunity to join the University of Sydney and work on modelling dynamical biological systems with future practical applications • Base Salary Level A, $109,301 - $116,679 p.a. + 17% superannuation About the opportunity We are currently seeking a highly qualified and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantitative Modelling of Sleep and Alertness to work on a recently funded ARC Discovery Project. The project’s aim is to develop a new physics-based model of sleep and alertness, which allows for explaining cognition dynamics on time scales from days (sleep deprivation) to weeks (chronic sleep restriction) and years (ageing and shiftwork). Among the expected outcomes are applications at both population and individual levels, and testable predictions concerning the sleep patterns that lead to aggregation of waste in the brain and eventual cognitive decline . It is a collaborative multidisciplinary project involving physicists, chronobiologists, and sleep experts in Australia and overseas. You will join the interdisciplinary Circadian Physics team led by A/Prof Svetlana Postnova at the School of Physics. Your key responsibilities will be to: • develop and test a new mathematical model unifying sleep, brain clearance, and alertness • work independently and as part of a team to drive the day-to-day activities of the project • prepare research results for high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals • present research findings at top domestic and international conferences in the field • assist in the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree research students. 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 in Quantitative Modelling of Sleep and Alertness who has: • a PhD or near completion of a PhD in physics, mathematics, engineering, or a closely related discipline • experience in theoretical approaches to studying complex systems; e.g., mathematical or physics-based modelling and analysis of biological or other nonlinear dynamical systems • demonstrated ability to communicate research outcomes through publications and presentations • experience in coding and use of computational tools • demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others • ability to work on a schedule and meet pre-agreed deadlines. Desirable • experience in modelling brain dynamics • knowledge of sleep and circadian research fields • experience in the analysis of experimental data and inter-disciplinary research. 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 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 LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold 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 University of Sydney Career Site. 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 Nicole Turle, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au © The University of Sydney The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. Applications Close Sunday 20 July 2025 11:59 PM

Last updated: 24 June 2025