Ross Laybutt Fellowship

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Parkville; On-site; AUD 107,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring program

Leadership training

Networking opportunities

Job summary

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research invites applications for the Ross Laybutt Fellowship Postdoctoral Researcher. The fellowship supports an early-career brain cancer researcher to launch their career within the Brain Cancer Centre network.

The role is a full-time position for an initial two-year period, with mentoring, leadership training, and networking opportunities to develop expertise in glioblastoma research in a collaborative, excellence-driven environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., cancer biology, oncology, molecular biology, genetics/genomics, neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology).
• PhD thesis under consideration may apply.
• Excellent time management, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work across professional services and scientific teams.

Skills

Time management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Cancer Biology

Job description

Job Title Ross Laybutt Fellowship Job Description An exciting Ross Laybutt Fellowship opportunity is available for Postdoctoral Researcher at Australia's pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the fellowship

The Ross Laybutt Fellowship in Brain Cancer Research was established through a generous contribution from the Laybutt Family to the Brain Cancer Centre (BCC) in memory of Ross Laybutt. The Fellowship supports an early-career brain cancer researcher by providing a unique opportunity to launch and develop their research career within the Brain Cancer Centre network.

About the position

As a Ross Laybutt Fellowship Postdoctoral Researcher, you will be part of an exceptional research team and a unique network at WEHI. You will have the opportunity to contribute to significant projects in glioblastoma research and develop new skills in a supportive environment with a strong emphasis on scientific excellence and a focus on impactful questions. The Ross Laybutt Fellowship Postdoctoral Researcher will have supported career development through mentoring, leadership training, and networking opportunities. You will be encouraged to gain expertise in new techniques, bring additional skills to the host laboratory or institution, and broaden your network.

What we are looking for:

• A PhD (0-5 years post-PhD at the time of application) in a relevant discipline, such as cancer biology/oncology, molecular biology, genetics/genomics, neurosciences, immunology, and pharmacology.
• Note: PhD thesis under consideration but not yet awarded may apply.
• Demonstrated ability and potential for excellence and productivity in research.
• Excellent time management, communication (written and oral), and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in partnership across professional services and scientific teams.

Terms of Appointment

This position is available on a full-time basis for an initial period of 2 years. Subject to the availability of Fellowship funding and any future recruitment and employment processes, further opportunities for Fellowship-supported research may arise beyond the initial appointment period.

Salary is Research Employee Level A6-A8 ($107,194- $115,059).

• Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more.
• 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.

To be eligible, you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. General enquiries can be directed to Linda Hawkins at [e-mail]. A generic position description for a Research Officer at Level A6-A8 is available here.

Application Closing Date: The closing date for applications is 23 October 2026.

WEHI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion

At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI’s ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers. Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.

WEHI’s commitment to Indigenous employment

WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.