Professor and Head of Department, Microbiology and Immunology

Role type: Full-time; Professorial appointment continuing, Head of Department appointment fixed term for 5 years initially

Department/School: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences

Salary: Competitive Level E remuneration plus 17% superannuation

• Drive academic excellence and global impact in microbiology and immunology
• Seize this opportunity to lead a distinguished department, guide research strategy, champion innovative teaching, and strengthen precinct-wide collaborations
• Benefit from outstanding employment conditions, research infrastructure, leadership support, and comprehensive wellbeing programs

The University of Melbourne

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The University of Melbourne is seeking an outstanding academic leader of international standing to lead the Department of Microbiology and Immunology within the School of Biomedical Sciences. Reporting to the Head of School and working closely with the Director of the Doherty Institute, you will provide academic leadership, foster high-impact research, and champion innovative teaching.

This is a prestigious opportunity to shape the Department’s strategic direction, guide staff and students, and contribute to the University’s global reputation for excellence.

Your next career opportunity

As Head of Department, you will provide vision, strategy and academic leadership across research, teaching, and engagement. You will foster a collegial, productive and inclusive culture while contributing to the School of Biomedical Sciences, the Doherty Institute, and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

You will maintain an internationally recognised program of research, develop collaborations across the Parkville Biomedical Precinct and beyond, attract major competitive funding, and support the next generation of researchers. The role also requires leadership in innovative teaching and curriculum development relevant to biomedical sciences, ensuring excellence in undergraduate and postgraduate education.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing academic leadership and strategic direction for the Department
• Leading high-impact research programs and fostering national and international collaborations
• Promoting innovative teaching and mentoring higher degree research students
• Providing strategic oversight of the Department’s staff, budgets, and infrastructure to enable research excellence and outstanding education
• Building partnerships across the Doherty Institute, industry, and the biomedical precinct to enhance research impact

You will be a scholar of international reputation with:

• Outstanding research achievements in immunology, microbiology and/or pathology, with world-class publications and competitive grant success
• Demonstrated leadership in research, teaching, and academic management in a complex university or research environment.
• Strong experience in building collaborations across disciplines, industry and clinical partners.
• A proven ability to inspire, mentor and develop academic staff and research students.
• Demonstrated record of innovation in teaching and curriculum development.
• A research doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant discipline is essential.

For further information please refer to the attached Candidate Information Pack. 

Be Yourself 

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. 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 adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.

Applying for this role

Applications for this position are being managed by Alumni Global. Candidates are encouraged to apply directly via their website using the link below to ensure full consideration.

Application Essentials

• Apply via Alumni Global: https://alumniglobal.com/job/professor-and-head-of-department-microbiology-immunology
• If you apply via the University of Melbourne careers site, your application will be redirected to Alumni Global for assessment
• Please follow the instructions on the Alumni Global site, including submission of your resume, cover letter, and responses to the selection criteria (outlined in the Candidate Information Pack)
• This role is eligible for visa sponsorship and we welcome international applicants. If successful, we will support you through this process
• A Working with Children Check is required for this position. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse associated costs

Want to know more?

For a confidential discussion, please contact Alumni Global:

• Chris Davies, Managing Director: chris.davies@alumniglobal.com
• Suzanne Reiger, Principal Consultant: suzanne.reiger@alumniglobal.com

Applications close: Sunday 3 May 2026 at 11:55pm Melbourne time zone.

Candidate Information Pack: JR-001147_Professor and HoD Microbiology & Immunology_Candidate Information Pack.pdf