Role type: Full Time; Fixed Term (2 Years)

Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department: Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences
Salary: Level A 6 - $85,555 - 116,094 p.a. plus 17% super

• Contribute to cutting-edge osteoarthritis research / Collaborate with leading experts / Develop valuable clinical research skills
  

• Work with leading experts in musculoskeletal research
  

• 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 a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Osteoarthritis Research Group, you'll play a crucial role in advancing clinical research on knee and hip osteoarthritis and chronic conditions. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with leading experts, Professors Kim Bennell and Rana Hinman, on innovative clinical trials focused on non-pharmacological management strategies. This 24-month position offers you the chance to contribute to impactful research, develop your research skills, and potentially build an independent research profile in a supportive, values-driven environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conduct Clinical Research: Plan and execute studies on osteoarthritis and chronic conditions, including clinical trials, systematic reviews, and qualitative studies.
  

• Manage Research Projects: Coordinate study activities, ensure compliance with guidelines, and meet project timelines and milestones.
  

• Analyse and Publish Results: Work with biostatisticians to analyse data, prepare publications, and present findings at local and international forums.
  

• Engage with Stakeholders: Collaborate with research end-users, including people with lived experience of osteoarthritis, and other key stakeholders

You may be a great fit if:

You are a dedicated researcher with a PhD in a relevant health-related discipline, possessing strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.

You may also:

• Have a PhD or submitted PhD in an area relevant to clinical management of musculoskeletal or chronic conditions.
  

• Possess a track record of human clinical research publications in musculoskeletal or chronic condition areas.
  

• Demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
  

• Have experience in systematic reviews, data management, and quality assurance in clinical research.
  

• Be proficient in using standard application software and statistical packages.
  

• Show a willingness to engage in community and professional activities related to physiotherapy and osteoarthritis.
  

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 - Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences
The Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine (CHESM) is a formal University research centre located with the Department of Physiotherapy in the School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. CHESM is a multidisciplinary research Centre established in 2000. It has approximately 35 staff and students from disciplines including physiotherapy, podiatry, exercise science, nutrition, and biostatistics. The Centre has three main research streams: i) Osteoarthritis; ii) Human Movement and Biomechanics; and iii) Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine. The Centre has expertise in a range of methodologies including clinical trials, qualitative designs, implementation science, and biomechanical experiments. CHESM prides itself on its research quality and achievements with the team publishing approximately 70 papers a year, including in journals such as Lancet, JAMA and Ann Int Med, receiving large grant funding with 4 current MRFF projects and 4 NHMRC Investigator grants, and gaining awards such as the Young Tall Poppy Award. Further information about CHESM is available at: https://healthsciences.unimelb.edu.au/departments/physiotherapy/chesm

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
  
  

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
Nick Petersen 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: ​3 September 2025.​ 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: JR-002831 Postdoctoral fellow - PD.doc