ARC Research Fellow

Victoria University; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 113,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Victoria University in Melbourne's IHES invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Researcher to investigate lactate as a metabolic signal that communicates with cells. This ARC-funded project uses modern molecular biology techniques to challenge the view of lactate as a poison and explores its roles in skeletal muscle adaptation.

The Research Fellow will work at the IHES Footscray Park campus, contribute to high‑quality research, collaborate with students and staff, and help develop external

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Exercise Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Experience with large-scale omics data analysis and data validation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality academic research, often with students and staff.
• Publish papers, articles and conference proceedings in high-impact journals.
• Assist supervision of undergraduate/masters/PhD students on individual/group projects.
• Prepare external grant applications and develop research collaborations.
• Attend conferences and professional development activities as relevant.

Skills

Cell culture

Bioinformatics

Proteomics analysis

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology or related

Job description

At VU, we aim to be one of the leading impact universities in the world. VU is an impact‑driven university committed to equity, excellence and opportunity. Based in Melbourne’s west and connected globally, we are a values‑led, inclusive workplace where diverse talent is supported to make a real difference.

About the Team:

Led by Professor David Bishop, the Exercise Prescription Lab (EPL) at Victoria University (VU) has two key research areas: Molecular Biology of Exercise and Exercise as Mitochondrial Medicine. The team combines foundational laboratory research with randomised controlled trials to understand how exercise alters molecular pathways and skeletal muscle adaptations, translating findings into personalised exercise prescriptions that improve fitness and health. With funding from the ARC, NHMRC, and the Australian Defence Force, the Exercise Prescription Lab significantly elevates Victoria University's global standing in exercise science and contributes cutting-edge, evidence-based knowledge with real-world impact on both clinical health and elite human performance.

About the Role:

The Institute for Health and Sport (IHES) is seeking to recruit a skilled and passionate post-doctoral researcher to investigate the role of lactate as a metabolic signal that can communicate with cells. This ARC-funded project aims to use the latest molecular biology techniques to challenge the long-standing paradigm of lactate as a metabolic ‘poison’ and to discover new biological roles for lactate as a regulator of skeletal muscle adaptations.

The Research Fellow will ensure that the project is conducted to the highest standard. The position will be based at IHES facility at Footscray Park campus but may also require travel to other campuses.

Position Key Duties

• Undertake quality academic research, typically in collaboration with research students and/or research staff.
• Publish papers, articles and reports in high-impact academic journals, including journals, and conference proceedings.
• Assist with supervision of research undergraduate/interns, honours, Masters, and PhD students working on individual or group projects.
• Prepare and submit external grant applications, and develop external research collaborations and partnerships.
• Attend conferences, workshops and other professional development activities if deemed relevant by the supervisor.
• Classification:Research level B
• Salary:$113,221 per annum - $134,499 per annum
• Employment Type:Fixed term (3 years)

For a detailed overview of the role’s duties and responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description

About You:

• A PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Exercise Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in cell culture techniques relevant to mechanistic molecular biology studies.
• Experience in sample preparation, quality control, and data validation procedures for:

- Proteomic analyses

• Demonstrated training and experience in bioinformatics, including the analysis, interpretation, and integration of large-scale transcriptomic and proteomic datasets.

Please note: The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Employee - Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment.

Who to Contact

For further information relating to the position, please contact:
Name:David Bishop
Position Title:Professorial Research Fellow
Email:[e-mail]

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires for applicants to have full and permanent working rights in Australia.

Why Join VU

VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. University fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visitour Careers at VU Webpage

Our Commitment

Victoria University is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially responsible community. We honour our deep diversity by respecting First Nations perspectives and embedding sustainable approaches to Protecting Country, while championing progressive inclusivity for all—embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socio‑economic backgrounds. As a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality , we strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong, and we ensure a positive, barrier‑free recruitment experience by providing adjustments and accessible formats upon request at [e-mail] or [phone].