Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Developmental Science

Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led institution at the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing and most economically significant region. With 11 campuses across Sydney and international locations in Vietnam and Indonesia—plus planned expansion in India—it serves nearly 50,000 students, 3,500 staff, and a global network of over 200,000 alumni. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, over 85% of its assessed research is rated ‘World Standard’ or above. The University is ranked #1 globally and nationally in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings (2022-2025) for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
About The MARCS Institute The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development is an interdisciplinary research institute of Western Sydney University. The vision for the Institute is to optimise human interaction, and wellbeing across lifespan. We strive to solve the problems that matter most through the themes: sensing and perceiving, interacting with each other, and technologies for humans. Researchers in MARCS come from many disciplines including cognitive science, developmental psychology, language science, music science, cognitive neuroscience, and biomedical, electrical, electronic and software engineering. The Institute consists of three Research Areas - the International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems, Brain Sciences, and Biomedical and Human Technologies.
The Institute is committed to a culture that embraces equity and a diverse and inclusive community where everyone participates in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities.
Further information is available from our website – http://westernsydney.edu.au/marcs

• Full-Time, Fixed-Term Position for 3 Years
• Based at Western’s Westmead Campus
• $112,718 to $136,180 p.a. Inclusive of Superannuation + Leave Loading

The Opportunity Are you passionate about child development and eager to apply your neuroimaging expertise to uncover how abstract thinking begins in early life? Western’s MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development is seeking an outstanding and innovative scholar to join the team as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Developmental Science for a 3 year appointment. This role is part of a world leading Australian Research Council Discovery Project, “The origins and development of human analogical reasoning”, led by Professor Sue Hespos.
In this role, you will contribute to a world-class research program investigating the emergence of abstract representations in infancy and early childhood. You’ll be involved in all aspects of the research process from designing and conducting behavioural and neuroimaging studies with infants and children, to analysing data and disseminating findings through publications and conferences. You’ll also collaborate across disciplines and engage in public outreach to share the significance of developmental science with broader audiences. Your work will help shape our understanding of how analogical reasoning develops and how language supports cognitive growth.
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 3 years based at Westmead Innovation Quarter, although travel to other campuses of the University may be required.
For further information, please refer to the Position Description linked here: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Developmental Science.
Who We’re Looking For You possess or are currently completing, a doctoral qualification in Cognitive Development, Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience or a related field. You bring expertise in working effectively with developmental populations, and have demonstrated experience in conducting and leading research in child development, psychology and/or cognitive neuroscience. Proficiency in programming tools such as R, MatLab, or jsPsych will support your work in neuroimaging and behavioural data analysis. Your track record includes publishing high-quality research and presenting at academic conferences. With excellent communication and interpersonal skills, you thrive in collaborative environments and contribute positively to team-based research.
If you are passionate about advancing our understanding of child development and eager to contribute to cutting-edge research, we invite you to apply for this opportunity.
Working with Children Check It is a mandatory requirement for any incumbent of this position to have a current NSW Employee Working with Children Clearance in accordance with the NSW Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.
Remuneration Package: Academic Level A $112,718 to $136,180 p.a. (comprising Salary of $95,248 to $115,074 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading).
Closing Date: 11:59pm, Tuesday 4 November 2025.
Position Enquiries: Please direct enquires about the role to Professor Sue Hespos via email at s.hespos@westernsydney.edu.au.
Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.
Immigration Sponsorship Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.
Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.