Role type: Full Time; 2 years Fixed term
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department: Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Salary: $109,093 - $118,091p.a. plus 17% super

• Lead cutting-edge metagenomic workflows, enhance public health diagnostics and drive innovation in microbial genomics
• Apply now to spearhead groundbreaking metagenomic research and diagnostics, directly impacting public health outcomes at a world-class laboratory
• 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.

Your next career opportunity
As the Senior Scientist-Pathogen Metagenomics at the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory (MDU PHL), you'll be at the forefront of developing and implementing cutting-edge metagenomic workflows for public health microbiology. You'll have the opportunity to lead method validation, contribute to accreditation processes, and drive innovation in pathogen detection and characterisation. Your work will directly impact public health outcomes, making this a key position for those passionate about microbial genomics and its application in diagnostic and epidemiological contexts.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop Metagenomic Workflows: Design, validate, and implement new metagenomic and microbiome approaches for pathogen detection and typing.

• Drive Strategic Implementation: Contribute to the development and execution of metagenomic workflow implementation plans.

• Ensure Quality Standards: Validate methods to NPAAC, ISO15189, and ISO17025 standards, ensuring legally robust testing services.

• Provide Scientific Leadership: Support the Genomics Platform Manager and deputise as leader when required.

You may be a great fit if:
You are an experienced microbiologist or molecular biologist with strong expertise in metagenomic sequencing, a passion for method development, and the ability to apply cutting-edge technologies in a public health context.

You may also:

• Have a post-graduate qualification in microbiology, genomics, or a related field.

• Demonstrate extensive experience in large-scale sequencing using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies.

• Show proven ability in method development and optimisation in molecular biology or microbial diagnostics.

• Possess an understanding of microbial bioinformatics and basic programming 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 - Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory (MDU PHL), Department of Microbiology and Immunology
MDU PHL is at the forefront of public health microbiology employing pathogen genomics for outbreak detection and management of infectious diseases which maybe community acquired, hospital acquired, food or waterborne. Our dedicated team focuses on unravelling the complexities of pathogens and infectious agents to develop innovative methods for diagnosis, detection, surveillance and control. The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is at the forefront of ground-breaking research in understanding the immune system and combating infectious diseases. As a part of the department, you'll be joining a community of scientific excellence and leadership.

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 - 0478 269 660 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
• The responses against the below Selection Criteria^

• A post-graduate qualification in microbiology, genomics or similar science/applied science.
• Demonstrated experience in large-scale generation of sequencing data using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing methodology, inclusive of pathogen metagenomics.
• Previous experience in method development and optimisation in molecular biology and/or microbial diagnostics.
• An understanding of microbial bioinformatics and basic programming skills.
• Experience with engaging with internal and external stakeholders including public, government, industry and other professional colleagues.
• Relevant knowledge of microbiological and quality standards including a familiarity with NATA requirements, DA (Quarantine Accredited Premises), DoH (Department of Health), and experience in participating in NATA assessments and/or preparation of documentation for NATA accreditation.
• Previous experience teaching and mentoring scientists and medical microbiologists in pathogen genomics.
• Previous experience in other relevant public health or laboratory leadership positions.

^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 Nick 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: ​11:55 PM Sunday 24 August Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

Position Description