Research Fellow - Gut Brain Axis

Role type: Full Time and Fixed Term to 31 December 2026
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/ School:  Department of Anatomy and Physiology
Salary: Level B - $124,656 – $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super 

• Contribute to cutting-edge DARPA-funded research / Develop expertise in neuromodulation and gut-brain axis science / Build your academic research profile in digestive physiology

• Contribute to the first year of an ambitious project, that if successful can continue to the end of 2027

•  Apply today to join a dynamic 16-scientist team advancing transformative research in gut-brain connections, biomedical engineering and investigation gut effects on emotional state

• 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 in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology, you will lead physiology proof-of-concept studies investigating how pathways from the gut modify anxiety states in animal models. You'll gain invaluable experience in surgical techniques, experimental design, and biomarker analysis whilst contributing to a comprehensive DARPA-funded program spanning small and large animal studies, bioengineering, and device development. This role offers you the opportunity to build a strong academic research profile, collaborate with a talented 16-scientist team, and contribute to publications and conference presentations that advance the field of digestive physiology.
 

Your responsibilities will include

• Conducting Advanced Physiological Research: Undertake experimental investigations in rat models of anxiety and stress, including surgical implantation of neuromodulation devices and monitoring of vagal and enteric nerve stimulation effects.

• Contributing to publication of novel research

• Designing and Execute Experiments: Participate in experimental design, planning, execution and analysis, working collaboratively with the team to collect blood samples, assay stress hormones and biomarkers, and analyse data using specialised programs such as GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Excel.

• Contributing to Ethics and Compliance: Develop and contribute to animal ethics applications, maintain meticulous record keeping, and ensure adherence to occupational health, safety and environmental standards.

• Advancing Research Dissemination and Training: Co-produce conference and seminar papers and publications, present findings at conferences where appropriate, contribute to training of honours and postgraduate research students, and actively participate in laboratory meetings and cross-departmental collaboration.

You may be a great fit if

You hold a PhD in a relevant discipline and possess demonstrated expertise in animal physiology research, small animal handling and surgical techniques, with strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills, excellent communication abilities, and a genuine commitment to building an academic research career in this innovative field.
 

You may also

• Possess a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant area such as physiology, neuroscience, experimental surgery or a related discipline.

• Have demonstrated independent and team-based research experience in animal physiology and behaviour, with proven expertise in working with small laboratory animals.

• Have experience or knowledge in neuromodulation therapy development and the gut-brain axis.

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively within collaborative research teams.

• Be willing to work occasionally outside normal hours to complete laboratory experiments where necessary.

For further information, please refer to the attached PD. 

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: 

• 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 

For more information check out our benefits page! 

Your new team – Department of Anatomy and Physiology

The Department of Anatomy and Physiology is a world-leading research hub within the School of Biomedical Sciences, home to 35 cutting-edge laboratories exploring Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Muscle Biology, Neuroscience, and Stem Cell and Developmental Biology. You'll join a dynamic team of forward-thinking researchers with access to state-of-the-art facilities, diverse funding streams, and exceptional training opportunities that position us at the forefront of disease-focused research. Learn more about the department: https://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/departments/anatomy-and-physiology

Be Yourself 
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants 
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.
  
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with "Korin-Korin" our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected] for further information and support. 

Please note: This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

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) 

Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Corey Menadue [email protected]. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close:  Sunday 8 March 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. 

Position Description: JR-009756 - Research Fellow.pdf & JR-009756 - Research Fellow.docx