"Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow: Ocular Immunology and Clinical Translation"

Role type:

Full-time; Fixed-term for 3 years

Faculty:

Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Department:

Optometry and Vision Sciences

Salary:

Level B - $124,656 - $148,023 per annum (pro rata for part-time) or Level C - $152,695 - $176,065 per annum (pro rata for part time)

• Lead research to transform knowledge and clinical care of uveitis / Use cutting-edge corneal imaging / Cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations
• Apply now for this unique opportunity to engage in innovative eye research
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

Your next career opportunity

As a Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow: Ocular Immunology and Clinical Translation, in the Downie Laboratory: Anterior Eye, Clinical Trials and Research Translation Unit in the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of Melbourne, you'll pursue cutting-edge research focused on the anterior eye and ocular immunology, in particular uveitis. As a senior member of the research Unit, you will contribute to research that seeks to transform understanding of immune responses in the eye, develop and validate new biomarkers, and directly improve patient care. Working with Professor Laura Downie, you'll contribute to the strategic direction of the research Unit, including to competitive research grant applications, and to mentor early-career researchers and students in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading Innovative Research: Conduct high-quality studies on ocular immunology, with a central focus on uveitis, including developing study protocols and managing projects from conception to publication.
• Securing Funding and Publishing: Contribute to, and/or lead competitive research grant applications, and produce high-impact publications to advance the field of eye research.
• Mentoring and Supervising: Guide and foster the development of graduate students and early-career researchers.
• Building Collaborations: Establish and nurture partnerships with academics, clinicians, industry, and professional associations to augment research impact.

You may be a great fit if:

You are an accomplished researcher with a strong track record of achievement in eye and/or vision science, who demonstrates leadership in project management, interdisciplinary collaborations, and securing competitive funding, as well as highly-developed interpersonal skills.

You may also:

• Hold a PhD in a relevant research field.
• Have a nationally or internationally recognised research program in eye and/or vision science research.
• Possess excellent leadership and organisational skills for managing research projects and teams.
• Demonstrate success in securing major competitive research grants or fellowships.
• Have strong experience in research supervision and mentorship.
• Excel in written and oral communication, with a robust publication record.
• Have expertise in human research ethics and clinical trial governance.

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
• Comprehensive career development and training, plus a 25% discount on UniMelb graduate courses for your immediate family members!

Your new team - Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences

http://www.optometry.unimelb.edu.au

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences currently comprises twenty-four academic staff (10 teaching and research, 5 teaching specialist and 9 research only). The Department is located at 200 Berkeley St Carlton, Parkville Campus...

Apply today! Including the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria

Closing Date: Tuesday 6 January 2026 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.