Research Fellow

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 3 years

Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Department: Optometry and Vision Sciences

Salary: Level B - $122,212 - $145,121 per annum (pro rata for part-time) or Level C - $149,701 - $172,613 per annum (pro rata for part time)

• Lead research to transform knowledge and clinical care of uveitis / Use cutting-edge corneal imaging / Cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations
• Apply now for this unique opportunity to engage in innovative eye research
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

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Your next career opportunity

As a Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow: Eye and Immunology Research, in the Downie Laboratory: Anterior Eye, Clinical Trials and Research Translation Unit in the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of Melbourne, you'll pursue cutting-edge research focused on the anterior eye and ocular immunology, in particular uveitis. As a senior member of the research Unit, you will contribute to research that seeks to transform understanding of immune responses in the eye, develop and validate new biomarkers, and directly improve patient care. Working with Professor Laura Downie, you'll contribute to the strategic direction of the research Unit, including to competitive research grant applications, and to mentor early-career researchers and students in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead Innovative Research: Conduct high-quality studies on ocular immunology, with a central focus on uveitis, including developing study protocols and managing projects from conception to publication.
• Secure Funding and Publish: Contribute to, and/or lead competitive research grant applications, and produce high-impact publications to advance the field of eye research.
• Mentor and Supervise: Guide and foster the development of graduate students and early-career researchers.
• Build Collaborations: Establish and nurture partnerships with academics, clinicians, industry, and professional associations to augment research impact.

You may be a great fit if:

You are an accomplished researcher with a strong track record of achievement in eye and/or vision science, who demonstrates leadership in project management, interdisciplinary collaborations, and securing competitive funding, as well as highly-developed interpersonal skills.

You may also:

• Hold a PhD in a relevant research field.
• Have a nationally or internationally recognised research program in eye and/or vision science research.
• Possess excellent leadership and organisational skills for managing research projects and teams.
• Demonstrate success in securing major competitive research grants or fellowships.
• Have strong experience in research supervision and mentorship.
• Excel in written and oral communication, with a robust publication record.
• Have expertise in human research ethics and clinical trial governance.

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 fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program
• Comprehensive career development and training, plus a 25% discount on UniMelb graduate courses for your immediate family members

Your new team – Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences currently comprises twenty-four academic staff (10 teaching and research, 5 teaching specialist and 9 research only). The Department is located at 200 Berkeley St Carlton, Parkville Campus, and has laboratory and office space for its Visual Neuroscience research groups in the Kenneth Myer Building. The Melbourne Eyecare Clinic is collocated in 200 Berkeley St, and provides clinical training for Optometry students, and clinical eyecare service to students and staff of the University, as well as to the general public. The department provides a 4-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) entry-to-practice postgraduate degree. Approximately 280 students are enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry (70 per year level, on average). The department teaches vision science subjects in the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedicine degrees.

The Department has a vigorous and expanding research program in optometry and vision sciences. It offers courses of training by research leading to the degrees of PhD and Master of Philosophy, and currently has around 20 students pursuing research higher degrees.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr- . You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website:

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 Indigenous strategy please visit -

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.

Please note: Visa sponsorship may be available for the right candidate.

Join Us and unlock your career potential

Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today Including the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria ^

For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Nick Petersen via email at hr- , 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 .

Closing Date: Saturday 20 September :55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.