Position Number: 0065186
Location: Parkville
Role type: Part-time (0.8 FTE); Fixed-term for 3 years
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
School: Melbourne Dental School
Salary: Academic Level A – $105,518 – 113,262 (with PhD commencing at Level A.6 to A.8) pro rata per annum plus 17% super
- Conduct laboratory-based research on bacterial membrane vesicles and their effects on brain cells in an NHMRC-funded project.
- Work within a multidisciplinary team at Melbourne Dental School and Bio21 Institute, contributing to groundbreaking research on microbiology and neurology.
- Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!
About the Role
This research-focused role at the Melbourne Dental School and Bio21 Institute involves conducting laboratory-based studies on an NHMRC-funded project under the supervision of Associate Professor Catherine Butler. The successful candidate will grow and characterise oral bacterial membrane vesicles, investigate their effects on mouse primary brain cells, and assess brain responses using molecular and imaging techniques. This position offers opportunities for manuscript preparation, grant writing, and conference presentations, requiring strong organisational skills, teamwork, and a keen interest in microbiology, neurology, and human disease.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Under limited supervision, plan and carry out experiments focused on completion of research project aims
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of all experiments conducted
- Perform other duties as requested by the appointee’s immediate supervisors consistent with the classification of this position
- Contribute to the day-to-day organisation of the laboratory including ordering reagents, maintenance of equipment, maintain stocks of reagents
Who We Are Looking For
The successful candidate will be a highly collaborative and detail-oriented researcher with strong communication skills, enabling them to contribute effectively to experimental design, execution, and data analysis. They will demonstrate adaptability, efficiency, and a commitment to high-quality research, working both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
You will also have:
- A completed Bachelor’s degree and a PhD in Biological or Biomedical Sciences or equivalent with a major in microbiology, neuroscience or pathology or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience in small animal handling.
- Extensive laboratory experience in microbiological and cell culture techniques, including culturing anaerobic bacteria and preparation of primary neuronal and non-neuronal cell cultures.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior researchers, contributing to the design, execution, and the accurate recording and analysis of experiments in a timely and efficient manner.
For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.
This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. 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.
Your New Team – Melbourne Dental School
The Melbourne Dental School has a strong tradition in dental research and an established international reputation in several research areas. Research in the School is an integral component of staff and student activities underpinning both the undergraduate and graduate curricula. The major research activities of the school are conducted via three divisions and four major research groups, which range translational biomedical science to clinical studies, pedagogical research. The Head of School joined the University of Melbourne in 2020 and is leading a program of change within the School focusing on strategic reviews of education, research and organisational structure, known as MDS’25.
What We Offer You!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!
About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. 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.
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.
We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the employee listed on the first page of the Position Description found below, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".
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
Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
- The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)
^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
Please ensure that you apply through the Apply Now button at the bottom of this advertisement. However, if you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Brett Verity via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, 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.
