Aaron Jex

Aaron Jex is Associate Professor in Veterinary Parasitology at the Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, based at Werribee. He concurrently serves as Laboratory Head in the Population Health and Immunity Division at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Jex obtained his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Queensland and Bachelor of Science from Vancouver Island University. His career trajectory includes research roles in veterinary biosciences and parasitology at the University of Melbourne, contributing to advancements in parasite genomics and diagnostics.

Jex's research encompasses fundamental parasite biology, leveraging advanced sequencing technologies and bioinformatics to investigate genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics of key human parasites such as soil-transmitted helminths, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. His team examines host-parasite immunological interactions, parasite development within hosts, and mechanisms of drug resistance. Applied efforts focus on developing quantitative real-time PCR assays for detecting parasites and pathogens in water supplies and global health contexts, including Cryptosporidium and toxigenic cyanobacteria, to evaluate transmission risks and epidemiology across developed and resource-poor environments. Jex has led innovations in wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 variants and other pathogens, supporting public health responses. Notable awards include the Melbourne Water Centenary Fellowship for water, global health, and innovation in 2018, and an NHMRC Leadership Fellowship. Key publications feature the "Ascaris suum draft genome" (Nature, 2011), "Recent advances in functional research in Giardia intestinalis" (2020), "Multi-tiered strategy for large-scale wastewater detection of SARS-CoV-2" (Journal of Water and Health, 2025), and "Host iron deficiency protects against Plasmodium infection" (Science Advances, 2026). His scholarship exceeds 14,000 citations on Google Scholar, influencing parasitology, zoonoses, One Health, and infectious disease control.

Professional Email: ajex@unimelb.edu.au