RESEARCH FELLOW IN BACTERIAL-ALGAL SYMBIOSIS

Position Number: 0065812
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term until 23 December 2026
Faculty: Science
Department/School: Mathematics and Statistics

Salary: Level A - $83,468 – $113,262 p.a. plus 17% super (PhD entry level $105,518 p.a.)

• Join a cross-disciplinary team investigating the relationship between bacteria and dinoflagellate algae, critical to coral reef health
• Work across the Schools of Mathematics & Statistics and BioSciences, combining biophysical techniques with microbial symbiosis research
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

YOUR NEXT CAREER OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join an exciting project investigating the symbiotic relationship between bacteria and dinoflagellate algae - key to the health of coral ecosystems. Based across the School of Mathematics and Statistics and the Microbial Symbiosis Laboratory in the School of BioSciences, this role focuses on uncovering the mechanisms of symbiotic formation and maintenance using innovative biophysical techniques.
You will conduct experimental and theoretical research using microfluidics, high-speed video microscopy, and mathematical modelling to study the interactions between bacteria and algal endosymbionts. Experience in culturing and maintaining microbial organisms is essential, as is a passion for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
As part of Associate Professor Douglas Brumley’s research group (https://ms.unimelb.edu.au/research/groups/brumley-lab), you will contribute to both your own research and projects led by students. This position is funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems grant.

YOU MAY BE A GREAT FIT IF:

We are looking for an early career academic with a strong foundation in micrcobiology, bioengineering, applied mathematics or a related discipline, combined with experience in microbial culturing techniques and imaging/microscopy. With a growing publication track record and a clear ambition to build a research career, you are confident preparing high-quality research outputs and engaging with collaborators across academia and industry.

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.

• You are expected to significantly contribute towards the research effort of the team and to develop your research expertise with an increasing degree of autonomy.
• Under the guidance and support of Senior Academic staff conduct internationally competitive research, resulting in publications in high impact journals.
• Contribute to and publish academic papers and other scholarly outputs to a high academic standard in accordance with the research expectations of the University of Melbourne.
• Actively participate in research seminars and conferences to disseminate research findings as opportunities arise.
• Contribute to the preparation, or where appropriate individual preparation of research proposal submissions to internal or external funding bodies as relevant.
• Contribute to teaching, training, scientific mentoring and supervision of students.