Research Officer in Bacteriology

Job no: 0061628
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 12 months
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences
Salary: Level A – $101,460 – $108,906 p.a. plus 17% super

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in the field of bacteriology, focusing on the mechanisms of pathogenesis mediated by a range of human bacterial pathogens and their membrane vesicles
• Work within the Liaskos lab located at the Doherty Institute
• 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
The Research Officer will be responsible for conducting independent and collaborative research, investigating the mechanisms of pathogenesis mediated by a range of human bacterial pathogens and their membrane vesicles using a combination of microbiological, immunological and biochemical approaches. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, with a strong interest in microbiology, host-pathogen interactions and innate immunity. They will be expected to design, undertake and analyse experiments of independent and original research, in addition to having exceptional organisational skills, possess the ability to work within a team atmosphere and be a self-starter. The successful applicant will also assist in the training and mentoring of Honours, Masters, and PhD students.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Independently plan and carry out experiments
• Contributing to day-to-day supervision, training and mentorship of Honours students, graduate researchers and staff members
• Attending and contributing actively to lab meetings by presenting data and engaging in discussions

Who We Are Looking For
You can demonstrate expertise in microbiology, in addition to showcasing your experience in mammalian cell culture, cell transfection assays, and in vitro immunological assays, including ELISA and reporter assays. Your excellent skills extend to the generation and manipulation of mutant bacterial strains and molecular biology techniques, along with demonstrated experience in confocal microscopy and associated imaging analysis software. Moreover, your problem-solving abilities, experiment optimisation, and proficiency in developing new experimental protocols and data analysis are commendable. You possess the ability to independently design, perform, and analyse experiments in a timely manner, focusing on completing research project aims within set timelines and maintaining a drive for quality and excellence. Your strong organisational skills ensure accurate recording, analysis, and interpretation of research data. Additionally, your demonstrated ability to work as a member of a research team, interacting courteously and effectively with academic, administrative, and support staff, further highlights your suitability for this role.

You will also have:

• PhD in microbiology or a related discipline
• Demonstrated computer skills, including experience in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated by presentation of research results at conferences, internal forums and through manuscript submissions
• Ability to adhere to the principles of ‘good laboratory practices’

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – The Department of Microbiology & Immunology
https://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/departments/microbiology-Immunology

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is one of the departments within the School of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

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 Kim Groizard at [email protected] , 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

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.

Position Description