Research Officer Full-time

Research Officer

Role type: Full Time (1.0 FTE); Fixed-Term for 2 years Faculty: Faculty of Science Department/ School: School of BioSciences Salary: UOM 6: $100,847 – $109,163 p.a. plus 17% super

Translational infectious disease diagnostics research / advanced molecular microbiology and assay development / collaboration with academic, clinical and industry partners.

Apply now to develop your molecular expertise, contribute to innovative diagnostics, and support impactful translational infectious disease research.

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

Your next career opportunity In this role, you will contribute to laboratory research underpinning new molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases. You will develop experience across molecular microbiology, assay optimisation, data analysis, and collaborative translational research projects.

What you will deliver:

• Perform molecular microbiology experiments, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, sequencing preparation, and microbial culture.
• Develop, optimise, validate, and implement molecular diagnostic assays and workflows to support infectious disease research objectives.
• Maintain high-quality laboratory records, databases, and documentation, ensuring data integrity and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Analyse experimental data, troubleshoot technical issues, and contribute to reports, presentations, ethics submissions, and publications.
• Support laboratory operations, including biosafety, quality assurance, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and training of students and visitors.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biomedical science, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate hands-on experience with nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, microbial culture, and related molecular assay workflows.
• Support research projects by maintaining meticulous experimental records and applying strong attention to detail and data integrity.
• Manage competing priorities effectively, delivering high-quality laboratory work within agreed timelines and safety requirements.
• Communicate clearly and work productively within multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with academic, clinical, and industry partners.
• Apply knowledge of good laboratory practice, biosafety, and quality assurance processes in day-to-day laboratory activities.

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 within the Faculty of Science, a vibrant research community. Our researchers investigate fundamental and translational questions across microbiology, ecology, evolution, genomics, and biotechnology. The Huston Lab collaborates closely with clinical and industry partners to develop impactful infectious disease diagnostics. You will be supported by experienced colleagues, modern facilities, and a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and development.

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 a separate document addressing the Selection Criteria outlined 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: 7 October 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.