Job Description

Be challenged and imagine with us

Join a pioneering team at the forefront of brain cancer imaging research and help shape the future of neuroimaging in Australia. As a Data Specialist Neuroimaging Analytics and Infrastructure within the cutting-edge BRAIN-SCAN initiative, you will develop and provide advanced imaging analytics that support researchers, clinicians and PhD candidates throughout their research journey. This role is a joint effort between the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research (MHF Centre) at the University of Newcastle (UoN) and the Brain Cancer Centre (BCC) at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research (WEHI).

Working alongside visionary clinical and research leaders in neuro-oncology, medical imaging, neuroscience and data science, you will drive innovative approaches to analysing complex datasets, contribute to life-changing discoveries, and play a meaningful role in improving outcomes for people affected by brain cancer. This is a rare opportunity to join a one-of-a-kind team that is transforming how neuroimaging data is used to accelerate research and collaboration across Australia.

In this role you will:

• Lead the analysis and interpretation of large-scale neuroimaging datasets.
• Deliver high-quality analytical outputs that inform research priorities and decision-making.
• Develop and optimise neuroimaging analysis pipelines, workflows and methodologies.
• Collaborate with researchers, clinicians and industry partners to advance brain cancer research including National Imaging Facility (NIF) sites across Australia.
• Support graduate researchers and PhD candidates with imaging data analysis and interpretation.
• Translate complex datasets into meaningful insights, reports and recommendations.
• Contribute to the development of Australia's national neuroimaging infrastructure.
• Ensure robust data quality, governance and reproducibility standards.
• Identify opportunities to innovate and enhance analytical approaches and research outcomes.
• Play a key role in delivering outcomes for the BRAIN-SCAN initiative.
• Have the rare opportunity to work with a pioneering team that is unique in Australia.

This full-time, 1 Year – Fixed Term, is at a HEW 7, and located at the Hunter Medical Research Institute Building (HMRI) (Awabakal and Worimi land).

How will you inspire us?

You will:

• Bring expertise in neuroimaging, medical imaging, data analytics or a related field.
• Be passionate about using data to advance research and improve outcomes for people with brain cancer.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills when working with complex datasets.
• Lead and influence through technical expertise and collaboration.
• Translate data into clear insights that support evidence-based decision-making.
• Build effective relationships with researchers, clinicians, students and research partners.
• Thrive in a multidisciplinary environment focused on innovation and discovery.
• Take initiative and drive continuous improvement in analytical methods and processes.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

About the Unit

Created in 2022, the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research, a partnership between the University of Newcastle and the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF), is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative research centre which brings together scientists and clinicians, consumers and patient care professionals and builds on the University of Newcastle’s established and dynamic cancer research ecosystem and world-class technology, spaces, and infrastructure. Through collaboration and partnership with our community and like-minded national and international organisations, the Centre will drive world-leading research programs to improve the lives of people with brain cancer today and increase survival rates in the future.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• Remuneration of Higher Education Worker (HEW) Level 7 ($107,268-$120,677) + 17% superannuation, commensurate with skills and experience.
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing each of the essential criteria listed below.

Essential Criteria

1. A degree in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, medical imaging, data science or a related discipline with at least 4 years subsequent relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant qualifications and research experience.
2. Demonstrated experience working with neuroimaging data formats such as DICOM and NIfTI.
3. Demonstrated experience developing computational pipelines or analytical workflows for imaging data.
4. Programming experience in languages such as Python, Matlab or R and experience working in Linux-based computing environments.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages.

We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au.

We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process.

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Complete a task prior to the in person interview
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Health Sciences Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Bryan Paton, Research Associate, on email at: bryan.paton@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Monday, 26 October 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

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