Research Officer

Position Number: JR-012330 

Role type: Full Time; Fixed Term until May 2027 
Location: Parkville 
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS)  
Department: Microbiology and Immunology 
Salary: Level A $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super  

• World-class infectious disease and vaccine research at the Doherty Institute / cross-species studies from mouse models to human cohorts / opportunity to influence next-generation vaccines with potential for an ongoing role 

• Join a collaborative team decoding protective immunity to major viral pathogens and help drive smarter vaccine design. 

• 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  
In this role, you will investigate B and T cell responses to viral infection and vaccination. You will gain hands-on experience across mouse models and human studies, while contributing to next-generation vaccine strategies. You will also develop your research independence within a supportive, highly collaborative laboratory at the Doherty Institute. 

What you will deliver:  

• Design, perform and analyse immunological experiments on B and T cell responses to key viral pathogens. 

• Maintain accurate experimental records, manage data analysis in FlowJo and GraphPad Prism, and prepare publication-quality figures. 

• Contribute to manuscripts, grant applications and conference presentations, clearly communicating findings to investigators and collaborators. 

• Support training and day-to-day supervision of honours students, graduate researchers and newer laboratory staff. 

• Assist with laboratory organisation, ordering, equipment maintenance and compliance with biosafety, ethics and OHS requirements. 

You may be a great fit if you:  

• Hold a PhD in Immunology or related discipline, with deep knowledge of adaptive immune responses. 

• Demonstrate experience handling experimental mice and human blood or tissue samples in biomedical research settings. 

• Bring hands-on expertise in flow cytometry and in vitro immunological assays such as ELISA or ELISPOT. 

• Apply strong quantitative skills, including experience with FlowJo, GraphPad Prism and standard office software packages. 

• Design, troubleshoot and optimise experiments independently or with minimal supervision, showing initiative and problem-solving focus. 

• Value infectious disease immunology, with experience in germinal centre biology, transcriptional profiling or mentoring junior researchers. 

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  

For more information check out our benefits page!  

Your new team  
At the Doherty Institute, you will join the Department of Microbiology and Immunology’s vibrant research community. Together with colleagues across the School of Biomedical Sciences, researchers tackle critical questions in infection, immunity and vaccines. You will collaborate with leading clinicians, epidemiologists and basic scientists, supported by modern facilities and a collegial culture. 

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 Korin Korin, our Indigenous Employment and Development team, via [email protected] 

Application essentials: 

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs. 

• 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.  

• Please upload your resume, a cover letter outlining your interest and experience, and your responses to points 1, 2,3,4 & 5 of the Selection Criteria found in the Position Description as part of the application process. 

Want to know more? 

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Adam Wheatley via email at [email protected]  

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Corey Menadue at [email protected] 

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').