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
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research.

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.

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