Research Officer Full-time

Research Officer

Independent research role in molecular parasitology with publication and funding opportunity. Apply now to lead metabolite focused Plasmodium research, develop multi-omics skills and contribute to high impact publications and grants.

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

Your next career opportunity: You will join the Day laboratory at the Bio21 Institute to investigate how Plasmodium falciparum metabolites influence host and parasite biology, using molecular parasitology combined with metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches. You will independently plan and execute experiments, analyse data, mentor trainees and contribute to manuscripts and grant applications, with strong potential for ongoing appointment.

What you will deliver:

• Lead and Deliver Research Projects: Independently plan, perform and troubleshoot experiments combining molecular parasitology with metabolomics and transcriptomics to meet project milestones.

• Analyse, Record and Communicate Data: Conduct qualitative and statistical analyses, maintain accurate experimental records, and report results to investigators and collaborators.

• Mentor and Collaborate: Supervise and train honours and graduate students, assist colleagues with experiments, and present data at lab meetings and scientific forums.

• Manage Laboratory Operations: Maintain SOPs, databases, inventories and equipment, assist with ethics/OGTR submissions, ordering and routine OH&S responsibilities.

You may be a great fit if:

• You have hands on experience with Plasmodium cell culture and molecular assays.

• You are skilled in metabolomics or transcriptomics workflows and in interpreting omics data.

• You possess strong statistical/data analysis skills and can present findings clearly.

• You are experienced in mentoring junior researchers and contributing to publications.

• You adhere to biosafety procedures and support laboratory management and compliance.

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

Your new team – Department of Microbiology & Immunology The Department prides itself on offering world-class training in microbiology and immunology led by teaching specialists and teaching-research academics. This research-led teaching in infection and immunity provides superb training for undergraduate and graduate students alike. The Department is also home to the Victorian Public Health Laboratory for Microbiology, known as the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit (MDU), which provides advice and services in public health microbiology. Our research focuses largely on understanding the immune system and on pathogens and infectious agents aiming to develop new ways to detect, control and treat infectious diseases or alternatively to manipulate the immune system to improve responses to organisms that cause infectious diseases or cancer.

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) is Australia's pre-eminent medical, health sciences and biomedical faculty and is recognised for its research, teaching, training, and policy leadership across all these fields. A large portion of our workforce work in hospital-based departments.

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.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities.

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 Professor Karen Day at karen.day@unimelb.edu.au. For questions related to our recruitment process email Corey Menadue 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: Thursday 30 April 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.