Role type: Full-time; Fixed term (12 months)
Faculty: Science
School: School of BioSciences
Salary:
Level A: AUD $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. (*PhD entry level $110,319)
Level B: AUD $124,656 - $148,023 p.a.
plus 17% superannuation

- Advance avian developmental biology and embryology / uncover the basis of skin appendage patterning / translate animal-model insights to morphogenesis and evolution / collaborate in the innovative TREE Lab

- Apply now to drive impactful developmental biology research and accelerate your postdoctoral career in a leading science faculty.

- 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
You will lead experimental embryology and skin biology projects that manipulate avian and vertebrate developmental programs.

You will apply advanced imaging, genome editing and functional genomics to reveal how genes sculpt morphology.

You will also build your research profile through publications, grants and supervision within a supportive, high performing lab.

What you will deliver:

- Design and execute in vivo functional assays and genetic perturbations in avian and other vertebrate embryos.

- Perform and interpret functional genomics and imaging experiments to uncover mechanisms of skin appendage development.

- Develop and maintain embryonic and primary cell culture models to investigate gene regulatory networks and morphogenesis.

- Prepare ethics and OGTR applications, reports, and high-impact publications, contributing to grant proposals and lab strategy.

- Mentor students and junior researchers, and present findings to academic, industry and public audiences.

You may be a great fit if you:

- Hold a PhD in developmental biology, genetics, or related discipline, with strong postdoctoral research experience.

- Bring substantial hands-on expertise in vertebrate embryology, especially mouse, zebrafish or avian models, and in vivo assays.

- Demonstrate proficiency in functional genomics, including experimental design, tissue handling and data analysis.





- Maintain and manipulate primary and established cell culture lines, integrating molecular, cellular and tissue-level approaches.

- Publish in high-quality journals, prepare manuscripts and reports, and contribute to competitive grant and ethics applications.

- Thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments, engaging productively with industry, clinical or institute-based partners and stakeholders.

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 - School of BioSciences
Based in the School of BioSciences, you will join the Trait Reconstruction Engineering and Experimentation Lab. The Lab explores how genomes shape body plans and skin appendages across diverse vertebrates. You will collaborate with developmental biologists, geneticists and evolutionary scientists across the Faculty of Science. The team offers solid technical support, access to advanced imaging and genomics platforms, and mentoring for research independence.

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 our Indigenous Employment & Development team at ••••@unimelb.edu.au.

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 and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.

- Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description. Learn more about responding to Selection Criteria

Want to know more?

- For queries related to this specific position, contact Associate Prof. Dagmar Wilhelm at ••••@unimelb.edu.au

- For questions related to our recruitment process email Lachlan Bryce at ••••@unimelb.edu.au

- For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 • •••• •218 or at ••••@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that's shaping the future.

Applications close: 20 September 2026 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

JR-016640 - Research Fellow in Avian Developmental Biology and Embryology - PD.docx

JR-016640 - Research Fellow in Avian Developmental Biology and Embryology - PD.pdf

📌 Research Fellow in Avian Developmental Biology and Embryology (Parkville)
🏢 The University Of Melbourne
📍 Parkville