Role type: Full Time (1.0 FTE); Fixed Term for 3 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: School of Mathematics and Statistics
Salary: Level A: AUD $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

Pioneering multicellular interface modelling within an open‑source framework and three translational case studies.

Apply now to develop unified multicellular modelling tools and drive experimental case studies in wound healing, biofilms and tumour plasticity.

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.

Your next career opportunity
The Research Fellow in Mathematical Modelling of Multicellular Interfaces is expected to help develop models of interfaces within multicellular systems. These models will be part of a multicellular modelling and simulation framework being developed as part of the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Discovery Project “Bridging biological boundaries: modelling to explore the role of interfaces” awarded to Prof James Osborne (Melbourne), Prof Jennifer Flegg (Melbourne) and Dr Stuart Johnston (Melbourne) in collaboration with Dr Yohan Davit (CNRS, Toulouse) and Dr Sakia Feytag (WEHI, Melbourne).

The Discovery Project addresses the critical knowledge gap in how "interfaces" - the boundaries between distinct cell populations or between cells and their environment - drive the development and function of complex biological systems.

Within this project the Research Fellow will drive the development of the unified multicellular mathematical framework within the open-source Chaste library.

What you will deliver:

Develop and Implement Multicellular Models: Build and integrate high‑fidelity interface models in the Chaste framework linking subcellular mechanisms (proliferation, differentiation) with multicellular mechanical and biochemical interactions.

Apply Advanced Statistical Methods: Perform Bayesian parameter estimation and identifiability analyses to evaluate and select model formulations that capture interface dynamics.

Translate Models into Case Studies and Collaborate: Support and adapt models for wound healing, biofilm development and tumour plasticity studies; liaise with interdisciplinary partners and undertake project visits to Toulouse.

Research Leadership and Dissemination: Lead technique‑ and application‑focused publications, present findings at conferences, contribute to grant proposals, and co‑supervise PhD/MSc students.

Contribute to Teaching, Service and Compliance: Provide student mentoring and training, participate in School activities and committees, and maintain required professional development and compliance records.

You may be a great fit if:

You are close to completing, or have completed, a PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related quantitative discipline.

You have demonstrated experience in mathematical modelling and or statistical analysis.

You show a strong aptitude for research, supported by a sound publication record in relevant areas, commensurate with your experience and opportunities.

You are able to prepare research reports and manuscripts suitable for academic publication.

You have experience developing computational simulations.

Your new team – School of Mathematics and Statistics

The University of Melbourne's School of Mathematics and Statistics is a leading institution in Australia, renowned for its high-quality research and teaching programs. With a diverse staff of 162 members, including 90 continuing teaching and research staff, the School offers a wide range of subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students. In 2023, it hosted 332 higher degree students across research and coursework programs.

The School boasts impressive research credentials, with 10 staff members inducted as Fellows of the Academy of Science. It has a strong track record in securing competitive research grants, including hosting an ARC Centre of Excellence, an ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre, and numerous ARC Fellows. The School provides robust infrastructure support for research and maintains strong international collaborative links, aligning with the University's goal of developing a strong global profile.

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.