Laureate Research Fellow in Theoretical Systems Biology

Location: Parkville. Melbourne, Australia
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 3 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of BioSciences
Salary: Level A – $80,258 – $108,906 p.a (PhD entry-level $101,460 p.a) plus 17% super

• An exceptional opportunity for an experienced bioinformatics and data science professional 
• the chance to significantly contribute to the team's research effort, develop research expertise, and work towards increasing autonomy
• Level A - $80,258 – $108,906 p.a, 17% super and benefits!

About the Role

We are welcoming applications for two Postdoctoral Research Fellows to work with the ARC Laureate Fellowship team of Professor Michael P.H. Stumpf in The University of Melbourne's School of BioSciences. As the incumbent, you will have the chance to work with a talented team computational and mathematical life scientists and our experimental and clinical collaborators to study cell fate decision making processes during development. You should be interested in developing new mathematical, statistical and computational approaches that allow us to understand fundamental biological processes better.

The project to which you will be contributing brings together concepts from dynamical systems and stochastic process theory with methods from statistical physics, data science and Bayesian computational statistics in order to understand how a complex organism develops from a single fertilised egg cell. This role offers an opportunity to develop your research expertise with increasing autonomy and contribute significantly to the research effort of the team, making it an excellent development opportunity for the right candidate.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Under the guidance, mentorship 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 teaching, training, scientific mentoring, and supervision of students

Successful applicants are expected to contribute to the mathematical and biological research of the Laureate Research Program, “CellMaps for Cell Fate Decision Making Systems”, but they will also be encouraged to develop their own research agenda.

Who We Are Looking For

Ideally you will have a background in physics, pure or applied mathematics, statistics or computational biology, and an interest in modelling biological systems at the cellular and molecular level. But we also encourage applications from people with relevant backgrounds who want to enter this exciting and multi-disciplinary area of research.

You should have an interest in both research and communicating your research to diverse audiences. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are important for success in our multidisciplinary research group, as are technical expertise in either a mathematical, computational or physical science, or at the mathematics-biology interface. Experience in biological, biophysical or complex systems, and proficiency with Julia and GPU programming are desirable. If you enjoy developing and delivering research projects to a high standard, and collaborating with other scientists we would very much like to hear from you.

You will also have:

• Completion (or near completion) of a PhD in computational biology, systems biology, theoretical physics, mathematics, statistics or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in the mathematical analysis and simulation of stochastic dynamical systems OR biophysical and biomolecular systems
• Experience in statistical analysis of eg biological data, dynamical systems (including time-series) data, and/or the behaviour of complex stochastic systems
• Experience with scientific computing

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

Work Rights

Visa sponsorship is available for this position. 

Your New Team – “School of Biosciences“

The School of BioSciences at the University of Melbourne is a leading research and teaching institution with a rich history of excellence in the biological sciences. By bringing together the Departments of Genetics, Zoology, and Botany, the School has become a critical mass of 160 academic staff and 240 research higher degree students undertaking world-class teaching and research. The School's alignment with two research domains - Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology - allows for cross-disciplinary collaborations and external partnerships, resulting in major grant and contract funding. 

What We Offer You!

In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne

We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. 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 and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.  

The City of Melbourne is recognised as Australia’s cultural capital with a number of world-class galleries and museums, internationally renowned food and wine regions, and an impressive year-round calendar of events catering for all tastes. It is no surprise that Melbourne has won the title of one of the most livable cities for six consecutive years and continues to attract residents from all over the world. 

Be Yourself

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We encourage and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We recognise that reconciliation is central to our purpose. For more information, please visit our Reconciliation page.

Join Us!

If you feel 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)

^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

Applications close: 21 June 2023 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)

Position Description:  PD - Research Fellow in Theoretical Systems Biology.pdf