• Opportunity for an applied economist to influence policymakers in youth mental health
• Work with industry-leading systems modelling teams on the Mental Wealth initiative
• Full time fixed term until 30 June 2022 offering a base salary of $78K - 108K p.a., plus leave loading and generous employer's contribution to superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre is a centre for discovery, innovation and integrative research strategies, clinical product development and actions that translate research into improved treatment and disease prevention strategies. The Centre is made up of 27 research units, staffed by around 200 researchers and 100 students. The Mental Wealth Initiative at the Brain and Mind Centre combines experts across business, economics, law, social policy and mental health to empower communities to foster their mental wealth.

Our transdisciplinary research team harnesses systems modelling, simulation and data science techniques to understand the factors that generate positive outcomes for mental health across the life course and contribute to thriving, productive and resilient communities.

We are seeking a Research Associate or Research Fellow to join the project team and contribute their expertise in applied economics and build capacity in systems modelling and simulation to produce and communicate recommendations based on the research, to relevant policy makers and key stakeholders in the youth mental health space. You will be involved in participatory approaches to systems modelling, undertaking economic priority setting, evaluation and identifying research priorities to ensure that the developed models guide best value investments for strategic policy, specific interventions and the allocation of research funding.

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 Research Associate or Research Fellow who:

• holds a Masters in applied economics (for Research Associate)
• holds a PhD in applied economics or similar (for Research Fellow)
• demonstrates experience in undertaking research and communicating health research findings to government and relevant stakeholders
• has experience or willingness to engage in participatory approaches to systems modelling in a higher education or government policy setting
• a background in health is desirable but not essential.

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.

For more information on the position and University, please view the position description available from the job's listing on the University of Sydney careers website. If you have any additional questions, please contact Andria Bingham, recruitment consultant on

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/careers-at-sydney.html and search by the job requisition number 0079795 to apply.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Closing date: 11 August 2021

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit Mental Wealth Initiative Postdoc Fellow to apply.

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

© The University of Sydney

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