Position Number: 0065812
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term until 23 December 2026
Faculty: Science
Department/School: Mathematics and Statistics
Salary: Level A - $83,468 – $113,262 p.a. plus 17% super (PhD entry level $105,518 p.a.)
- Join a cross-disciplinary team investigating the relationship between bacteria and dinoflagellate algae, critical to coral reef health
- Work across the Schools of Mathematics & Statistics and BioSciences, combining biophysical techniques with microbial symbiosis research
- Investing in you - 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 and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.
Your next career opportunity
We are seeking a Research Fellow to join an exciting project investigating the symbiotic relationship between bacteria and dinoflagellate algae - key to the health of coral ecosystems. Based across the School of Mathematics and Statistics and the Microbial Symbiosis Laboratory in the School of BioSciences, this role focuses on uncovering the mechanisms of symbiotic formation and maintenance using innovative biophysical techniques.
You will conduct experimental and theoretical research using microfluidics, high-speed video microscopy, and mathematical modelling to study the interactions between bacteria and algal endosymbionts. Experience in culturing and maintaining microbial organisms is essential, as is a passion for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
As part of Associate Professor Douglas Brumley’s research group (https://ms.unimelb.edu.au/research/groups/brumley-lab), you will contribute to both your own research and projects led by students. This position is funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems grant.
Your responsibilities will include:
- You are expected to significantly contribute towards the research effort of the team and to develop your research expertise with an increasing degree of autonomy.
- Under the guidance and support of Senior Academic staff conduct internationally competitive research, resulting in publications in high impact journals.
- Contribute to and publish academic papers and other scholarly outputs to a high academic standard in accordance with the research expectations of the University of Melbourne.
- Actively participate in research seminars and conferences to disseminate research findings as opportunities arise.
- Contribute to the preparation, or where appropriate individual preparation of research proposal submissions to internal or external funding bodies as relevant.
- Contribute to teaching, training, scientific mentoring and supervision of students.
You may be a great fit if:
We are looking for an early career academic with a strong foundation in micrcobiology, bioengineering, applied mathematics or a related discipline, combined with experience in microbial culturing techniques and imaging/microscopy. With a growing publication track record and a clear ambition to build a research career, you are confident preparing high-quality research outputs and engaging with collaborators across academia and industry.
You also have:
- Completion (or near completion) of a PhD in applied mathematics, bioengineering, microbiology, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in microbial culturing techniques and imaging/microscopy.
- Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following topics: image processing, cell tracking, fluid dynamics, mathematical biology, agent-based modelling.
- A demonstrated aptitude for research, with a sound publication record in relevant areas, commensurate with experience and opportunities.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare research reports and manuscripts for publication.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, administer and see through to completion appropriately designed research projects with limited supervision.
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 fulfillment, including:
- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
- 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 University of Melbourne's School of Mathematics and Statistics is one of Australia's leading mathematics and statistics schools. It has achieved this status through the high quality of its research and teaching programs. The School offers a wide range of subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students and is involved in aspects of community life that impact on the interests of the School and the discipline. The school currently hosts two ARC Centres of Excellence, and has hosted four ARC Laureate Fellows, ten ARC Future Fellows and fourteen DECRA Fellows.
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.
The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Kim Groizard +61 3 9035 3218 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.
For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring
If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.
Working at the University – what you need to know
This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.
Please note: Visa sponsorship is available for this position.
Join Us and unlock your career potential!
Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
- The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)
^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Anna Gradoboeva via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.
If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.
Position Description
