Research Fellow - Physiology

Job No.: 687420

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 12 month fixed-term appointment

Remuneration:  $83,283 - $113,025 Level A plus 17% super

• Amplify your impact at a world top 50 University
• Join a leading biomedical research institute
• Work at the frontier of brain-immune science

The Opportunity

The Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) is one of Australia’s largest and most dynamic biomedical research environments, bringing together over 120 research groups across seven interdisciplinary health programs. BDI works at the intersection of discovery science, clinical translation and industry partnership, supported by world-class research infrastructure and teaching facilities.

The Smyth Lab at BDI is seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow (Level A) to join a growing and ambitious research team investigating neuroimmune communication at the borders of the brain. This role offers an outstanding opportunity for an early career researcher to pursue high-quality independent research while contributing to the development and leadership of a fast-moving laboratory.

You will work on projects exploring how meningeal stromal and immune cells sense brain state, maintain barrier integrity, and contribute to neurological disease, including brain cancer and stroke. The lab integrates advanced imaging, omics approaches, mouse genetics and flow cytometry to uncover new principles of brain–immune interaction.

This position is ideal for a dynamic scientist seeking to build their research profile, contribute to impactful publications, and play an active role in shaping laboratory culture and capability.

What You Will Do

• Conduct high-quality research under limited supervision and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
• Design and perform advanced laboratory experiments using modern biomedical techniques
• Contribute to collaborative research activity within the lab and across BDI programs
• Co-supervise honours and postgraduate students and support their research development
• Assist with laboratory organisation, systems and day-to-day research operations
• Participate in seminars, conferences and professional development activities
• Contribute, where appropriate, to research-related teaching activities

What You Will Bring

You will hold a doctoral qualification, or be near completion, in a relevant biomedical or closely related discipline, or demonstrate equivalent research experience. You bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a developing publication record, and the ability to manage multiple research priorities effectively.

You enjoy working collaboratively in a research environment, communicate clearly, and are motivated to contribute to both scientific discovery and the smooth operation of a research laboratory. Experience with mouse models, flow cytometry, immunostaining or in vitro culture will be highly regarded, as will experience in neurological disease models, though this is not essential.

About Monash University

At Monash, work feels different. There’s a sense of belonging, from contributing to something ground breaking – a place where great things happen. We make tangible contributions because our purpose is clear; to deliver positive economic, social and environmental impact in resolving the global challenges of our age.

At the core of achieving this purpose is the diversity of our staff. We welcome and value everyone's contributions, lived experience and expertise. When you come to work, you can be yourself, be a change-maker and develop your career in exciting ways. This is why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed.

Some 20,000 staff work for Monash around the world. We have 95,000 students, four Australian campuses, and campuses in Malaysia and Indonesia. We also have a major presence in India and China, and a significant centre and research foundation in Italy.

In our short history, we have skyrocketed through global university rankings and established ourselves consistently among the world's best tertiary institutions. We rank in the world’s top-50 universities in rankings including the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Together with our commitment to academic freedom, you will have access to quality research facilities, infrastructure, world-class teaching spaces, and international collaboration opportunities. 

Learn more about Monash.

Today, we have the momentum to create the future we need for generations to come. Accelerate your change here. 

Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents.

To Apply

For instructions on how to apply, please refer to 'How to apply for Monash Jobs'. Your application must address the Key Selection Criteria.

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at hr-recruitment@monash.edu in an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments Request' for a confidential discussion.

Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and/or background checks required for the role, as determined by the University.

Enquiries: Dr Leon Smyth, Leon.Smyth@monash.edu or +61493050073

Position Description:Research Fellow - Level A

Applications Close: Sunday 18 January 2026 at 11:55pm AEST