Post-Doctoral Fellow

This position is based in Australia. Location: Kensington, Sydney.

Under the supervision of Senior Lecturer Dr Deborah Burnett, this Post-Doctoral Fellow position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research investigating how the adaptive immune system recognises and responds to foreign and self-antigens.

The successful candidate will employ a broad suite of immunological and molecular tools—such as flow cytometry, cell-culture, single-cell RNA sequencing, data analysis and in vivo models—to interrogate B cell responses in human samples and pre-clinical systems. This research aims to generate mechanistic insight into immune tolerance and autoimmunity, with translational relevance to infection, vaccination, and immune-mediated disease.

This position is ideal for an early-career postdoctoral researcher with strong technical expertise, excellent organisational and communication skills, and a passion for scientific discovery. You will join a supportive, collaborative and productive research environment that encourages independence and fosters career development.

• Contribute to cutting-edge research investigating how the adaptive immune system recognises and responds to foreign and self-antigens under the supervision of Senior Lecturer Dr Deborah Burnett.
  
• Employ a broad suite of immunological and molecular tools (e.g., flow cytometry, cell culture, single-cell RNA sequencing, data analysis and in vivo models) to interrogate B cell responses in human samples and pre-clinical systems.
  
• Generate mechanistic insight into immune tolerance and autoimmunity with translational relevance to infection, vaccination, and immune-mediated disease.
  
• Work in a supportive, collaborative environment that encourages independence and fosters career development.
  

• Employment Type: Full-time (35 hours per week); part-time considered.
  
• Duration: 2-Year Fixed Term
  
• Remuneration: $91k - $121k base (+ 17% Super, leave loading)
  
• Working rights: Visa sponsorship is not available. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia.
  
• Location: Kensington, Sydney
  

• A PhD in immunology or a related biomedical science discipline, ideally with a focus on adaptive immune responses.
  
• Demonstrated technical experience in techniques relevant to exploration of the adaptive immune response including processing and analysing human and/or animal samples, multi-colour flow cytometry, cell sorting, ELISA, PCR, molecular cloning and RNA sequencing workflows (e.g., single-cell or bulk).
  
• High attention to detail and excellent record keeping in both laboratory notebooks and digital data management systems.
  
• Ability to work independently, take scientific initiative, and drive projects forward, while also contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.
  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build professional relationships with collaborators, students, and technical staff.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and capacity to learn new techniques.
  
• High levels of emotional intelligence, with a professional, respectful, and self-aware approach to teamwork and collaboration.
  

• Experience in managing mouse colonies, including ethical and procedural compliance
  
• Prior experience working in a research team studying B cell biology, immune tolerance, or autoimmune mechanisms.
  
• Experience with bioinformatics pipelines for analysing transcriptomic or repertoire sequencing data.
  

We encourage applications from enthusiastic and talented early-career researchers. Please click on Apply now to apply online. Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your research interests and experience. A copy of the Position Descriptions can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Dr Deborah Burnett, E: d.burnett@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: Sunday 14th September 2025 before 11.30pm Sydney time.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.