Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Genomic epidemiology)

Job no: 0061017
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time (part time will be considered); Fixed-term for 12 months
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School
Salary: Level A – $101,460-$108,906 OR Level B – $114,645-$136,136 p.a. (pro rata for part time)

• Conduct groundbreaking genomic surveillance shaping public health policy.
• Work collaboratively in a prestigious institute, advancing pandemic response capacity. 
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role
This is an exceptional opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the pioneering team at the Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, stationed at the prestigious Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity. As a valued member of a multidisciplinary team, you’ll conduct genomic epidemiological surveillance, contributing directly to informing critical public health policies and action. The role not only offers a chance to delve into cutting-edge research on viral pathogens but also provides an avenue for professional growth, enabling hypothesis testing and exploration of population dynamics using pathogen genomic and epidemiological data. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary public health laboratory team.
• Identification and investigation of relevant research questions in collaboration with colleagues within VIDRL, the Peter Doherty Institute and the Parkville precinct
• Collaborate with colleagues working in related disciplines including public heath, epidemiology, laboratory science and bioinformatics, in both a research and service delivery capacity.

Who We Are Looking For

You excel at collaborating within diverse teams and engaging respectfully with academic, administrative, and support colleagues. Your outstanding communication, both written and verbal, drives seamless interactions and effective outcomes in all scenarios.

You will also have:

• PhD degree or equivalent in microbiology or virology.
• Extensive experience in the analysis of microbial genomic data, with a particular focus on phylogenetics and molecular evolution.
• Demonstrated experience programming in at least one scripting language (R or Python).
• Excellent ability in problem solving, time allocation and maintaining accurate records.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – Department of Infectious Diseases
The Department of Infectious Diseases at the Peter Doherty Institute conducts impactful research on global health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, HIV, tuberculosis, and emerging infectious diseases. Join our collaborative team of diverse researchers, make a difference in patient outcomes, and contribute to shaping public health policies. Together, we strive for excellence, innovation, and integrity in advancing our understanding and combatting infectious diseases.

What We Offer You!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits  page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. 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 .   

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at [email protected] , with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled “Reasonable Adjustments Request”.

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

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with 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 Katie Robertson via email at [email protected] , 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