"Research Fellow - RNA Virus Evolution"

Research Fellow - RNA Virus Evolution

• Full time, fixed term opportunities until December 2027
• Exciting opportunity to work as a Research Fellow with Professor Edward Holmes within the School of Medical Sciences
• Base Salary starting at $127,436 + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The School of Medical Sciences is recognised as one of the leading centres for medical science education in the world. With over 100 years of excellence in education, we are proud to be training the next generation of medical scientists who will be leading members of the medical research community with an innovative integrated curriculum. Our team of researchers lead key internationally competitive research from molecules to medicines, from patient to policy across a range of therapeutic areas.   

The School of Medical Sciences is seeking two Postdoctoral Research Fellows in RNA Virus Evolution who will apply and develop their expertise in conducting research to further the research agenda of Professor Edward C. Holmes FAA FRS. They will contribute to research efforts as part of an inter-disciplinary research team led by Professor Edward C. Holmes FAA FRS and through an understanding of the subject matter within the discipline.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• conduct original research as part of a team focusing on high-quality publications and securing research funding in the area of RNA virus evolution and function
• perform virus isolation and cell culture to characterise RNA virus evolution and function
• perform genomic and phylogenetic characterisation of animal RNA viruses
• publish peer-reviewed scientific papers on virus evolution, function, and genomics
• contribute significantly to competitive research grant applications and funding submissions
• maintain quality, standards, and excellence in research activities and outputs
• provide training, informal mentoring, and supervision to lower-level academics and postgraduate research students where appropriate
• contribute to a positive workplace culture that values diversity of thought, collaboration, excellence, and achievement of outcomes
• understand and contribute to furthering the university and faculty or school strategic agenda
• undertake other duties and contribute to projects appropriate within the classification level as required.

About you

• doctorate or phd in a relevant field
• demonstrated experience in the isolation, cell culture and functional characterisation of RNA viruses
• demonstrated experience in the phylogenetic and genomic analyses of RNA viruses
• demonstrated experience, including relevant publications, in RNA virus evolution and function
• proven experience conducting original research and engaging in scholarly activity
• a developing research profile in the discipline or area of expertise
• experience contributing to competitive research funding applications.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. 

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Ajaypal Singh, Recruitment Operations by email to ajaypal.singh@sydney.edu.au.

Applications Close

Monday 23 March 2026 11:59 PM