Research Fellow in Molecular Microbiology

Times Higher Education; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 125,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Professional development opportunities

Health and wellbeing programs

Job summary

University of Melbourne invites applications for a fixed-term, full-time position in the School of BioSciences. The role focuses on translational molecular microbiology to develop next-generation diagnostics for infectious diseases, collaborating with clinical and industry partners, and mentoring students to advance postdoctoral research.

The successful candidate will publish widely, contribute to grant proposals and help build networks across clinical and public health interfaces within a

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology or closely related field.
• Strong expertise in molecular microbiology techniques (PCR, sequencing, culture, cloning).
• Experience developing/optimising diagnostic molecular assays for infectious diseases.

Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular microbiology research on infectious diseases with increasing independence.
• Design, develop, optimise and validate molecular diagnostic assays.
• Publish high-quality research outputs and contribute to grants and funding applications.
• Supervise/mentor undergrad and grad students and support junior researchers.
• Engage with clinical/industry partners to advance translational diagnostics.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

Sequencing

Molecular cloning

Microbiology

Genomics/Bioinformatics

Education

PhD in Microbiology / Molecular Biology / Biomedical Science

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 14 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Australia Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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.

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

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.

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.

• 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.

Applications close: 14 October 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.