Research Fellow, HIV Immunology

Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time/Fixed-term for 3 years
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School
Salary:

Level A $97,558 - $104,717 p.a. plus 17% super
Level B $110,236 - $130,900 p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About - The Department of Infectious Diseases

The Department of Infectious Diseases is an academic department of the Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and is based at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute). The department has strong links with both the Royal Melbourne and Austin Hospitals. Research within the department encompasses infectious diseases including malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, influenza, viral hepatitis, sexually-transmitted infections, antimicrobial resistance and healthcare associated infections, drug allergy and emerging infectious diseases.

About the Role

You will be a member of a team focused on immune clearance of the HIV reservoir with the overall goal of finding a cure for HIV. You will lead the laboratory-based immunological analyses of a novel clinical trial of anti-PD1 in people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy and develop new experimental approaches for other immune checkpoint blockers and immunomodulators as a strategy to enhance anti-HIV immunity and control. You will be part of a large and dynamic multi-disciplinary laboratory focusing on all aspects of HIV cure, including virology and immunology as well as early phase clinical trials.

You will

• Conduct experiments to assess the frequency and function of HIV-specific T-cells using a range of assays such as intracellular cytokine staining, tetramer sorting, co-culture and killing assays
• Collaborate with expert bioinformaticians to apply single cell RNAseq to clinical samples
• Develop experience in handling blood and tissue in a sterile environment
• Develop experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry
• Independently plan and carry out experiments focused on completion of research project aims to meet agreed timelines and milestones

About You

You will have experience in any aspect of T-cell immunology and will be responsible for all assays required to assess the HIV-specific immune response as part of a clinical trial of anti-PD1 in people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. You will also develop new independent projects related to advancing the application of immune checkpoint blockade and other immunomodulators as a strategy for HIV cure. You will be expected to work with limited supervision in a self-directed manner and as a member of a research team. You will interact in a highly collaborative, professional and effective manner with academic, administrative and support staff.

You will also have:

• A PhD in immunology or related field.
• Sound knowledge of concepts of viral immunology and T-cell biology. Specific experience in HIV is not required.
• Proficiency in multi-parameter flow cytometry, cell sorting, co-culture and killing assays.
• Strong evidence of emerging academic standing through research contributions, and possessing the ability and desire to build an academic career trajectory as demonstrated by prior awards, scholarships and/or involvement in research activities

Please note: To be considered for this role you must have current valid work rights for Australia.

About the University

The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us

In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits.

Be Yourself

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the Essential Selection Criteria and Desirable Selection Criteria only if applicable^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au.

Applications close: 2nd March 2023 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time

Position Description: 0058446_Research Fellow - HIV Immunology_PD.pdf