Research Fellow in Molecular Microbiology Full-time

Research Fellow in Molecular Microbiology

Role type: Full Time (1.0 FTE); Fixed-Term for 2 years Faculty: Faculty of Science Department/ School: School of BioSciences Salary: Level B: $124,656 – $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super

Translational molecular microbiology focus / develop next-generation diagnostics for infectious diseases / collaborate with clinical and industry partners.

Join the Huston Lab to advance infectious disease diagnostics and accelerate your postdoctoral research career.

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 lead and contribute to research in molecular microbiology and infectious disease diagnostics. You will design, optimise and validate novel assays, translating microbial insights into practical clinical applications. You will collaborate across disciplines, contribute to research publications and support emerging researchers within a collaborative and supportive lab environment.

What you will deliver:

• Conduct innovative molecular microbiology research on infectious diseases, particularly sexually transmitted infections, with increasing independence.
• Design, develop, optimise and validate novel molecular diagnostic assays, integrating genomics and bioinformatics where appropriate.
• Publish high-quality research outputs, present at conferences and contribute to competitive grant and funding applications.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and support junior researchers to deliver impactful publications.
• Engage with clinical, public health or industry partners to progress translational diagnostics and build collaborative networks.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate strong expertise in molecular microbiology techniques including PCR, sequencing, microbial culture and molecular cloning.
• Bring experience developing, optimising or validating molecular diagnostic assays for infectious diseases or related biomedical applications.
• Maintain a strong publication record and communicate research findings clearly through manuscripts, reports and conference presentations.
• Manage projects effectively, working both independently and within multidisciplinary teams to meet deadlines and research goals.
• Apply or develop genomics, bioinformatics or advanced molecular data analysis skills relevant to pathogen detection and characterisation.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

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

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – School of BioSciences You will join the School of BioSciences, a vibrant hub tackling major global biological challenges. Our researchers span ecology, evolution, genetics, genomics and molecular systems biology, fostering rich cross-disciplinary collaborations. Within the Faculty of Science, you will access world-class facilities, platforms and well-supported research networks. We value curiosity, excellence, impact and integrity, and offer an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives thrive.

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.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• 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 Willa Huston at willa.huston@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: 14 October 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.