Role type: Full Time (1.0 FTE); Fixed-Term for 2 years

Faculty: Faculty of Science

Department/ School: School of BioSciences

Salary: UOM 6: $100,847 - $109,163 p.a. plus 17% super

Translational infectious disease diagnostics research / advanced molecular microbiology and assay development / collaboration with academic, clinical and industry partners.

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 contribute to laboratory research underpinning new molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases. You will develop experience across molecular microbiology, assay optimisation, data analysis, and collaborative translational research projects.

What you will deliver:

- Perform molecular microbiology experiments, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, sequencing preparation, and microbial culture.
- Develop, optimise, validate, and implement molecular diagnostic assays and workflows to support infectious disease research objectives.
- Maintain high-quality laboratory records, databases, and documentation, ensuring data integrity and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Analyse experimental data, troubleshoot technical issues, and contribute to reports, presentations, ethics submissions, and publications.
- Support laboratory operations, including biosafety, quality assurance, equipment maintenance, inventory management,



and training of students and visitors.

You may be a great fit if you:

- Hold a degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biomedical science, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrate hands‑on experience with nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, microbial culture, and related molecular assay workflows.
- Support research projects by maintaining meticulous experimental records and applying robust attention to detail and data integrity.
- Manage competing priorities effectively, delivering high‑quality laboratory work within agreed timelines and safety requirements.
- Communicate clearly and work productively within multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with academic, clinical, and industry partners.
- Apply knowledge of good laboratory practice, biosafety, and quality assurance processes in day‑to‑day laboratory activities.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

- 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

Your new team - School of BioSciences

You will join the School of BioSciences within the Faculty of Science, a vibrant research community. Our researchers investigate fundamental and translational questions across microbiology, ecology, evolution, genomics, and biotechnology. The Huston Lab collaborates closely with clinical and industry partners to develop impactful infectious disease diagnostics. You will be supported by experienced colleagues, modern facilities, and a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and development.

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 faire 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.

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📌 Research Officer (Melbourne)
🏢 UniMelb
📍 Melbourne