Research Fellow in Avian Developmental Biology and Embryology Full-time

Research Fellow in Avian Experimental Embryology and Skin Biology

Advance avian developmental biology research / Investigate mechanisms of skin appendage morphogenesis / Collaborate within the TREE Lab.

Apply now to shape avian and skin biology research while building your independent academic trajectory.

Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity You will advance avian developmental programmes by experimentally manipulating embryos and skin appendage formation in the TREE Lab.

You will gain experience across embryology, functional genomics and imaging, contributing to high-impact, internationally recognised publications.

You will develop your academic trajectory within a collaborative, supportive team in the School of BioSciences.

What you will deliver:

• Design and conduct avian embryology and skin appendage experiments, including culture, imaging, manipulation and functional assays.
• Lead functional genomics studies, spanning experimental design, tissue collection, sequencing collaboration and robust computational data analysis.
• Prepare ethics and OGTR applications, research reports, manuscripts and contribute to securing internal and external funding.
• Train and mentor students and junior staff, supporting an inclusive, collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
• Present and discuss findings at seminars, conferences and with industry partners, strengthening collaborations and TREE Lab visibility.

You may be a great fit if you :

• Hold a PhD in developmental biology, genetics or related discipline, with a strong, relevant publication record.
• Demonstrate expertise in vertebrate embryology, tissue morphogenesis, embryo manipulation and in vivo functional assays.
• Possess experience with CRISPR-based genome editing, gene perturbation strategies and primary or established cell cultures.
• Apply functional genomics approaches, including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, tissue collection and downstream computational analysis.
• Utilise coding and imaging tools such as R or Python, FIJI or Imaris for data processing.
• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, meeting deadlines and contributing to supervision and external engagement.

What we offer you! We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team – School of BioSciences Within the School of BioSciences and Faculty of Science, you will join the TREE Lab. The lab is a vibrant hub for developmental and evolutionary biology, focused on trait reconstruction and experimentation.

You will collaborate with experts across genetics, zoology and cellular systems, using cutting-edge facilities on the Parkville campus. The team values curiosity, integrity, equity and inclusion, and supports mentoring, grants success and diverse student engagement.

Be Yourself The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.

Application essentials:

• Visit “apply with us” to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Associate Professor Dagmar Wilhelm at dagmar.wilhelm@unimelb.edu.au
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today and join a community that's shaping the future.

Applications close: 25 August 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.