Postdoctoral Fellow in Parasitology

Role type: Part-Time (0.6 FTE); Fixed Term for 3 years

Faculty: Faculty of Science

Department/ School: Melbourne Veterinary School

Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 (pro-rata for part-time) p.a. plus 17% super

Spearhead innovative veterinary research, collaborate with industry leaders, and enhance sheep health.

Apply now to lead cutting-edge research improving sheep reproductive health and industry practices.

Investing in you - 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

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Parasitology at the Melbourne Veterinary School, you'll lead an industry-funded project investigating key infectious abortions in Victorian sheep. You'll develop novel molecular diagnostics, conduct field investigations, and work directly with producers and veterinarians. This role offers you the chance to make a significant impact on sheep welfare and productivity while advancing your career as an independent researcher.

Your responsibilities will include:

Lead Innovative Research: Develop and validate novel molecular diagnostic techniques for detecting key abortigenic agents in sheep.

Conduct Field Investigations: Plan and execute sampling strategies across Victorian farms, collecting and analysing various biological samples.

Engage with Industry Stakeholders: Collaborate with sheep producers, veterinarians, and industry bodies to identify risk factors and develop disease management strategies.

Disseminate Findings: Prepare peer-reviewed publications, present at conferences, and contribute to industry reports to share your research outcomes.

You may be a great fit if:

You are a qualified veterinarian with a PhD in Veterinary Science, possessing strong research skills and a passion for improving animal health and welfare through innovative diagnostic and epidemiological approaches.

You may also:

Have a PhD in Veterinary Science or a closely related field.

Possess experience in molecular diagnostics, particularly qPCR assay development and validation.

Demonstrate strong skills in epidemiological investigation and data analysis.

Have excellent communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Show a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences.

Be passionate about translating research findings into practical industry outcomes.

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

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – Melbourne Veterinary School

The Melbourne Veterinary School is a highly ranked veterinary school with a proud tradition of excellence in research, education, and leadership. The school has research strengths in animal diseases, zoonotic infectious diseases, production animal systems and animal welfare. The Melbourne Veterinary School provides the only professional entry veterinary medicine program in Victoria and covers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate subjects across veterinary science with Australia’s premiere graduate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, which is nationally and internationally accredited by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (VSSAAC), the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe 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 reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at for further information and support.

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

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!

If 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)

Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Anna Gradoboeva . Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close: 2 January 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: JR-006346 Postdoctoral Fellow in Parasitology_PD.docx

JR-006346