Research Fellow, Gut Brain Axis at University of Melbourne

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

02 Aug, 26

Salary

118416.0

Posted On

04 May, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Large-animal physiology, Porcine models, Neuromodulation, Experimental design, Data analysis, Animal ethics applications, Compliance documentation, Scientific writing, Peer-reviewed publications, Research proposal development, Student supervision, Project management, Multidisciplinary collaboration, Anxiety and stress research

Industry

Education Administration Programs

Description

Role type: Full Time (1.0 FTE); Fixed-Term until 31 December 2026 Faculty: Faculty of Science Department/ School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super DARPA-funded neuromodulation project at the gut–brain interface. Apply now to shape transformative gut–brain axis science while accelerating your research career in large-animal physiology. Investing in you – 17% superannuation, 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 In this role, you will drive innovative research on neuromodulation of the gut–brain axis using porcine models. You will further develop your expertise in large-animal physiology, contribute to high-impact publications, and collaborate with an international, DARPA-funded research team. What you will deliver: Design and conduct high-quality physiological experiments in porcine models of anxiety, stress and gut–brain neuromodulation. Analyse experimental data, interpret findings, and contribute to publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals. Prepare and manage animal ethics applications, compliance documentation and project reporting for large-animal research activities. Contribute to research proposals, seminars and conferences, strengthening the project’s profile and fostering external collaborations. Support training and co-supervision of students and junior researchers, building capability in advanced animal physiology techniques. You may be a great fit if: Hold or nearly complete a PhD in Animal Science, Physiology or a closely related discipline. Bring demonstrated experience conducting physiological experiments in production animals, ideally porcine models of anxiety and stress. Manage animal ethics applications, reporting and compliance for complex large-animal research projects. Present a developing track record of quality publications, reports and manuscripts aligned with career stage. Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, engaging constructively with industry, clinical and academic partners. Organise workloads and timelines to deliver research milestones independently while meeting project deadlines. 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 fulfilment, including: Build future financial security with 17% superannuation Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program For more information check out our benefits page! Your new team – School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences Within the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES), you will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community. The School brings together experts in animal science, ecology, food systems and environmental management to tackle global challenges. You will collaborate with a 16-scientist team at the forefront of gut–brain axis research. The team is supported by world-class facilities and strong industry partnerships. The culture values curiosity, collaboration, inclusion and excellence, offering strong mentoring, career development and real-world impact. Be Yourself The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb. We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au. Application essentials: Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs. You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you. Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process. Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description. Want to know more? For queries related to this specific position, contact Prof. Jeremy Cottrell at jcottrell@unimelb.edu.au For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Apply today and join a community that’s shaping the future. Applications close: 25 May 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. Position Description: JR-012704 - Research Fellow, Gut Brain Axis - PD.docx JR-012704 - Research Fellow, Gut Brain Axis - PD.pdf Explore leadership opportunities to shape the future and growth of the University of Melbourne - Executive Opportunities Welcome to the University of Melbourne – where our vision for positive societal change creates impact. Join our community of world-class thinkers, where innovation thrives, and your ideas shape the future. Why choose us? You'll work among the best, pushing the boundaries of knowledge with passion. Whether you're driving groundbreaking research, inspiring the next generation through teaching, or providing essential professional services, we empower you to excel. At the University of Melbourne, your potential is our priority. Elevate your career, make a real difference, and be part of a diverse community that values your unique contribution. Your journey to professional and personal growth starts here. Discover more at - https://about.unimelb.edu.au/ At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enriching society through education and research. Through our strategy "Advancing Melbourne," we're not just shaping our own future; we're shaping the future of the state, the nation, and our global community. Together, we propel Australia forward, positioning it as an ambitious, forward-thinking leader on the world stage. Our staff play a key role in elevating Australia's reputation and influence globally. Your contributions are the driving force behind our ambition to be a leading force for positive change. Join us, and let's advance Melbourne – and the world – together. Discover more The University has committed to a strategic vision which aims to create a thriving, fair and diverse university community, working together respectfully to make a difference to each other and in the world. Join us on our journey to build a future where everyone in our community can feel a strong sense of belonging, and diverse perspectives fuel success. Discover more Want to know more about us, our processes, or future opportunities? We would love to connect with you! Get in touch with our friendly Talent Acquisition team at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au

Responsibilities

The Research Fellow will design and conduct physiological experiments on the gut-brain axis using porcine models. They will also analyze data, contribute to high-impact publications, and manage animal ethics and compliance documentation.