Research Fellow in Computational & AI Modelling (Infectious Diseases)

Role type: Full-time; Fixed term for 18 months

Faculty: Engineering and Information Technology

School: Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering

Salary: Level A.5 – A.8 - $106,273 – $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

• Interdisciplinary AI infectious disease research / collaborate with Doherty Institute and Cumming Global Centre / inform next-generation vaccines and therapeutics
• Join FEIT to drive AI modelling for infectious diseases and help shape future pandemic solutions.
• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, 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

In this Research Fellow role, you will drive AI-based modelling to tackle infectious disease challenges. You will collaborate closely with leading experimental teams at the Doherty Institute and Cumming Global Centre. You will develop robust computational tools that inform vaccines and therapeutics with real-world health impact.

What you will deliver:

• Lead AI-driven computational modelling using viral and immunological datasets to identify and prioritise vaccine and therapeutic targets.
• Develop, test and maintain reproducible software tools and workflows for large-scale infectious disease data analysis.
• Collaborate with experimental partners to integrate modelling insights, interpret results and co-author high-impact publications and reports.
• Contribute to teaching, mentoring and supervision of students and junior researchers in computational and AI modelling.
• Seek research funding, build your independent research agenda and actively present findings at national and international forums.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a PhD in electrical engineering, computational biology, computer science, physics, statistics, or applied mathematics.
• Demonstrate strong expertise in machine learning, AI or computational modelling applied to health or engineering problems.
• Use scientific programming tools such as Python, R or Julia, plus Linux and high-performance computing platforms.
• Work effectively in interdisciplinary teams across engineering, infectious diseases and health sciences, using initiative and sound judgement.
• Produce quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, and communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Contribute to grant proposals and support supervision of students and research assistants.

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:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team

The School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering hosts world-class researchers tackling society’s most pressing engineering challenges. Within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, you will contribute to interdisciplinary research program in computational modelling for infectious diseases under the supervision of Prof Matthew McKay and Dr Ahmed Abdul Quadeer.As part of FEIT, you will benefit from outstanding facilities and rich interdisciplinary networks. Our 2035 strategy emphasises real-world impact, inclusion and ambitious research and teaching excellence. The team values diversity, mentorship and innovation, supporting you to grow as an independent researcher.

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 korin-korin@unimelb.edu.au.

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• 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 all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Brett Verity at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Position Description

JR-015793 Research Fellow in Computational & AI Modelling (Infectious Diseases) PD.docx

JR-015793 Research Fellow in Computational & AI Modelling (Infectious Diseases) PD.pdf