Research Fellow in Microbial Fluid Dynamics

University of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 87,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Professional development opportunities

Salary packaging

Health and wellbeing programs

Job summary

The University of Melbourne is seeking a Research Fellow in Microbial Fluid Dynamics to advance understanding of how flows shape microbial movement and signalling. You will combine mathematical modelling, computation and collaboration to produce high-impact publications and support student learning.

Responsibilities include leading research on microbial fluid dynamics in various flows, developing models of cell motility and chemical interactions, publishing in top journals and guiding student

Qualifications

• PhD in Applied Mathematics or closely related field, completed or near-complete.
• Strong research track record in fluid dynamics or cell motility.
• Experience with continuum or agent-based modelling and computational simulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on microbial fluid dynamics in unconfined and confined flows.
• Develop and analyse mathematical and computational models of cell motility and chemical interactions.
• Publish high-quality papers and present at conferences; contribute to funding proposals.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Computational modelling

High-performance computing

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in Applied Mathematics or closely related

Tools

Computational tools

Job description

Research Fellow in Microbial Fluid Dynamics

Role type: Full-time; Fixed term (2 years)
Faculty: Science
Department/School: School of Mathematics and Statistics
Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

• ARC-funded microbial fluid dynamics role / explore how flows shape microbial behaviour and signalling / join a top applied mathematics group.
• 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 innovative research on microscale fluid dynamics that explains how flows shape microbial movement and communication.

You will combine mathematical modelling, computation and collaboration to produce high-impact publications and support student learning.

What you will deliver:

• Lead research on microbial fluid dynamics in unconfined and confined flows aligned with the ARC Future Fellowship.
• Develop and analyse mathematical and computational models of cell motility, navigation and micro-scale chemical interactions.
• Publish high-quality papers, present at conferences, and contribute to competitive research funding proposals.
• Teach one Applied Mathematics subject per year or equivalent, and support student supervision and mentoring.
• Engage with collaborators, participate in School activities, and promote the University’s research profile and values.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a completed or near‑completed PhD in Applied Mathematics or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate a strong research track record in areas aligned with fluid dynamics or cell motility.
• Bring experience in continuum or agent‑based modelling and in developing computational simulations.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and contribute positively to a collegial research culture.
• Communicate research clearly through publications, presentations, and engagement with diverse internal and external audiences.
• Offer desirable strengths such as high‑performance computing, teaching experience or familiarity with experimental biophysics.

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 balanceand well‑being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave, cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause 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 Mathematics and Statistics
The School of Mathematics and Statistics is one of Australia’s premier mathematics communities, renowned for excellence in research, teaching and engagement. Home to a large, diverse cohort of academics, researchers and students, the School sustains a vibrant culture of seminars, collaborations and international partnerships. Within this, the Melbourne Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Biology Group brings together experts in fluid dynamics, mathematical biology and computation to tackle complex biological and physical systems. Supported by strong ARC funding and research infrastructure, the group offers an intellectually rich, collegial environment with deep connections across science and industry.

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 ***********@unimelb.edu.au.

• 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.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Douglas Brumley (details in PD)
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Lachlan Bryce at **********@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on [phone] or at **********@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Position Description:

JR-018985 Research Fellow in Microbial Fluid Dynamics_PD.pdf

JR-018985 Research Fellow in Microbial Fluid Dynamics_PD.docx