Job Requisition: JR-001491
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 12 months
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department: Department of Infectious Diseases
Salary: Academic A - $85,555 - $116,094 p.a. plus 17% super

• Develop cutting-edge diagnostic technologies / Combat global infectious diseases / Work with world-class researchers.

• Apply now to drive ground-breaking research in infectious disease diagnostics and make a lasting impact on global health.

• 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
As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Peter Doherty Institute, you'll be at the forefront of developing innovative diagnostic assays for infectious diseases, with a focus on point-of-care diagnostics and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Contributing as part of a broader collaborative team, under the supervision of Dr Shivani Pasricha, you'll utilise advanced molecular genetic technologies like CRISPR and data analytics to understand infection dynamics and create novel diagnostic tools. This role offers you the chance to contribute to ground-breaking research that could transform the detection and management of infectious diseases globally.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop Diagnostic Assays: Plan and execute laboratory and computation processes to create and optimise diagnostic tools for infectious diseases.

• Conduct Molecular Research: Utilise CRISPR and other molecular genetic technologies to study infection dynamics.

• Analyse Complex Data: Apply computational and biostatistical methods to analyse large data.

• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work with a multidisciplinary team of clinician scientists and industry partners.

• Contribute to Publications: Assist in manuscript preparation and grant applications and reports.

• Train and Mentor: Support students and other researchers in experimental techniques and data analysis.

• Maintain Laboratory Standards: Show commitment to good laboratory practice and meticulous record-keeping.

You may be a great fit if:
You hold a PhD in biomedical science or have equivalent experience, with expertise in molecular microbiology, statistics and bioinformatics.

You may also:

• Have experience with cell culture, microbiological assays, and molecular techniques.

• Demonstrate proficiency in bioinformatic methods like genomics and transcriptomics.

• Show experience in handling pathogenic bacteria and microbial cultures.

• Possess excellent problem-solving skills and resilience in tackling research challenges.

• Have strong data analysis and interpretation abilities.

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills.

• 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 - 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.

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 Bec Tucker - 0416 888 299 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

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 not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

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

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Dijana 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.

Applications close: 5 August 2025 Please note: the system automatically closes the advert at 12:01 AM on the closing date, so we recommend submitting your application well in advance.

Position Description