"Research Associate in Avian Developmental Biology"

Role type: Full Time; Fixed-Term for 1 year
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of Biosciences
Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

• Advanced avian developmental biology with hands-on gene-editing and single-cell genomics in a collaborative, publication-focused research environment.
• Apply now to join TREE Lab and advance fundamental insights into vertebrate morphogenesis through innovative embryo manipulation and functional genomics.
• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, 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
You will join the TREE Lab at Parkville, working with Professor Andrew Pask and Dr Axel Newton to interrogate how genomes shape body plans. You will gain hands-on experience in embryo culture and perturbation, gene editing (e.g. CRISPR) and single-cell genomic analyses, while contributing to publications and training early-career researchers.

What you will deliver:

• Lead Experimental Design and Execution: Plan and perform vertebrate embryo manipulation, microinjection and in vivo functional assays to interrogate developmental programmes.
• Deliver Molecular and Genomic Analysis: Prepare and analyse experimental data, including cellular and molecular assays and single-cell transcriptomics, and contribute to data interpretation.
• Drive Reporting, Compliance and Publication: Prepare scientific reports, contribute to manuscripts, and develop animal ethics and OGTR applications to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Mentor and Collaborate: Assist in training and co-supervising students and junior staff, and actively participate in team meetings, seminars and stakeholder engagement.

You may be a great fit if:
You are an early-career researcher with practical experience in embryo culture or manipulation and gene-editing workflows, strong molecular/genomic analysis skills, and a collaborative, publication-focused mindset.

You may also:

• You possess practical experience in vertebrate embryology, embryo culture and imaging.
• You have hands-on skills in gene editing (e.g. CRISPR) and functional genomics, including single-cell transcriptomic workflows.
• You are experienced in preparing scientific data, writing reports and contributing to high-quality manuscripts.
• You demonstrate strong teamwork, communication skills and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• You hold relevant research experience and/or qualifications and are eager to develop independent research capabilities.

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 fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – “Biosciences”
The University of Melbourne's School of BioSciences offers a dynamic research environment, with over 150 academic staff addressing critical biological challenges across diverse fields. From climate change and biosecurity to reproductive health and food production, the school leads more than 240 research projects in areas such as ecology, evolution, marine biology, genetics, and data science.

The TIGRR Lab
https://blogs.unimelb.edu.au/pasklab/
https://tigrrlab.science.unimelb.edu.au/research/

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Anna at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Applications close: 22nd March 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:
JR-010820 Research Associate in Avian Developmental Biology_PD.docx
JR-010820 Research Associate in Avian Developmental Biology_PD.pdf