Research Fellow in "Intra-oral device and biosensor technology development for sleep and circadian rhythm disorders with implications in oral health"

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 12 months

Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Department / School: Melbourne Dental School

Salary: Level B - $124,656 - 148,023 p.a. plus 17% super

• Lead cutting-edge biosensor development / Integrate circadian biology with oral health / Drive innovations in sleep medicine
• Apply now to spearhead groundbreaking research that bridges biomedical engineering, circadian biology, and oral health, revolutionizing diagnostics and treatments
• 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 Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne's Precision Health Lab, you'll drive innovative research in saliva biomarkers, circadian biology, sleep medicine, and biosensing. You'll lead projects that identify novel biomarkers and characterize mechanisms underlying treatment responses in sleep and circadian disorders. This role offers you the chance to develop cutting-edge biosensors, conduct clinical studies, and shape the future of precision medicine at the intersection of oral health and sleep science.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Design Innovative Experiments: Lead research involving aptamer molecule recognition, device fabrication, and clinical studies in circadian medicine.
• Develop Biosensors: Apply state-of-the-art biomedical engineering techniques to create novel diagnostic tools.
• Conduct Clinical Research: Contribute to patient-based studies focusing on oral health, chronic pain, and circadian disruption.
• Mentor Junior Researchers: Provide guidance and supervision to research staff and students while managing complex projects.
• Secure Funding: Write grant applications and contribute to manuscript preparation for high-impact publications.

You may be a great fit if:
You are a passionate researcher with expertise in circadian biology and biomedical engineering, demonstrating a strong track record in biosensor development and clinical research in oral health and sleep medicine.

You may also:

• Hold postgraduate qualifications in circadian biology with proven experience in high-end biomedical engineering and biosensing techniques.
• Have demonstrated experience with patient-based or clinical cohort studies focused on oral health outcomes and related chronic conditions.
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills for collaborating with diverse teams and writing scientific reports.
• Show the ability to work autonomously and exercise judgment in solving complex research problems.
• Demonstrate high-level problem-solving skills and attention to detail in research settings.
• Have expertise in data aggregation and visualization (desirable).
• Show a strong commitment to collaboration with other institutes and clinicians.

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

Your new team – Melbourne Dental School
www.dental.unimelb.edu.au
The Melbourne Dental School renowned for its excellence in dental and oral health education, clinical training, and translational research, with a strong tradition in dental research and an established international reputation in several research areas.
Research in the School is an integral component of staff and student activities underpinning both the undergraduate and graduate curricula. The major research activities of the school are conducted via three Divisions and four major research groups, which range from translational biomedical science to clinical studies and pedagogical research.
The School is equally committed to providing exceptional dental education and training. With a focus on innovative teaching methodologies and a student-centred approach, the School offers a Bachelor of Oral Health, Doctor of Dental Surgery, and Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (multiple specialisations). The curricula are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become competent and ethical dental professionals.

Visa sponsorship is available for this role.
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)

For recruitment queries, email Vanessa Phan at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

Applications close: 9 February 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.