Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Fellow – Genetics & Youth Mental Health Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Fellow or Research Fellow

Join UQ's Children's Health Research Centre and help shape the future of youth mental health through world leading research in statistical and psychiatric genetics. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow or Research Fellow, you will contribute to impactful, internationally collaborative research as part of the Youth GEMs consortium and MRFF funded projects focused on pharmacogenetics and improving treatment outcomes for young people.

You will work alongside leading researchers and clinicians, including global partners, in a supportive and inclusive environment that values curiosity, collaboration and real world impact. With access to world class infrastructure, strong mentoring and rich data resources, you will be empowered to grow your research independence, build your track record and contribute to meaningful change in young people's lives.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Produce high‑quality research outputs consistent with disciplinary norms, including publication in reputable journals, and contribute to competitive research funding applications.
• Collaboration and Translation: Work collaboratively with colleagues on joint research projects and contribute to the translation of research outcomes to end users, including knowledge transfer and commercialisation opportunities.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, fostering a positive and inclusive research training environment.
• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate citizenship behaviours aligned with University values through active participation in service roles, collaboration, and the development of external partnerships with industry, government and the community.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ's Criteria for Academic Performance.

For further information, please view the information booklet.

You will bring a strong foundation in psychiatric or statistical genetics and a genuine commitment to improving mental health outcomes for children and young people. You will also demonstrate:

• Completion (Level B) or near completion (Level A) of a PhD in genetics, youth mental health, psychology, quantitative genetics, or a closely related discipline.
• An emerging (Level A) or growing (Level B) research profile with publications in reputable, peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at academic conferences.
• Experience, or developing capability, in polygenic risk score analysis and the use of genetically‑informative datasets.
• Evidence of contributing to, or successfully seeking and managing, external research funding.
• The ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary clinical and research teams, while also developing increasing research independence.

As part of the UQ community, you will work alongside some of the brightest minds from around the world in an environment that values interdisciplinary collaboration and purposeful research. UQ provides access to world‑class facilities, grant development support, and meaningful career pathways within a Group of Eight university.

UQ research continues to shape understanding of child and youth wellbeing. In 2025, UQ researchers led studies examining parental risk factors and long‑term behavioural impacts associated with child maltreatment, reinforcing the University's commitment to evidence‑based approaches that improve mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Read more about UQ's child and youth mental health research on UQ News.

The broader benefits of joining UQ include up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements, access to exclusive internal opportunities, and genuine academic career progression.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Enda Byrne. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number below in the subject line.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the 'About You' section.

Pre‑employment checks may include qualifications, Blue Card, mandatory immunisations, and other integrity and conduct requirements relevant to the role.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia's Sunshine State here.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We're also happy to support accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process.

Applications close Sunday 9 August 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R‑63070). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday 12 August 2026.