• Fixed-term, 3-year appointment at Academic Level B.
• Westmead campus, The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development.
• Salary: $123,327 – $145,625 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Contribute to rigorous, collaborative research advancing language learning and acquisition.

The Opportunity
The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development is seeking a Research Fellow in Language Learning to join a multidisciplinary research team based at the Westmead campus. This role is focused on advancing knowledge in language acquisition and learning through rigorous, ethically sound, and methodologically robust research.

You will design and conduct original research studies using qualitative and quantitative approaches, develop and implement research protocols, and analyse complex datasets using appropriate statistical and analytical tools. Working closely with experienced researchers and academic staff, you will contribute to collaborative projects while also building your own independent research profile.

The position also involves disseminating research outcomes through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and institutional forums. You will contribute to grant writing activities, support externally funded research initiatives, and mentor junior researchers, providing guidance on research design, methodology, and best practice within a supportive academic environment.

What Success Looks Like:

• Designing and conducting original research in language learning using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Developing ethical research protocols and managing research timelines and deliverables.
• Analysing and interpreting research data with methodological rigour.
• Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at academic forums.
• Contributing to grant applications and supporting collaborative research projects.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• Demonstrated expertise in research design and methodology in language learning, applied linguistics, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in data analysis and statistical or analytical research tools.
• Excellent academic writing skills, with evidence of publications or manuscripts in preparation.
• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams while maintaining independent research initiatives.
• Strong organisational, project management, and mentoring skills.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Beyond a rewarding career, we offer a suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and family wellbeing:

• Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state through salary-packaging options.
• Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
• Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
• Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Mark Antoniou, Associate Professor via [email protected]. Please include the job reference code REF1116B. 
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 12 April 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected].

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.