Research Fellow, Gut Brain Axis

Role type: Full Time (1.0 FTE); Fixed-Term until 31 December 2026 
Faculty: Faculty of Science 
Department/ School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences 
Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

• DARPA-funded neuromodulation project at the gut–brain interface.

• Apply now to shape transformative gut–brain axis science while accelerating your research career in large-animal physiology.

• 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 role, you will drive innovative research on neuromodulation of the gut–brain axis using porcine models. You will further develop your expertise in large-animal physiology, contribute to high-impact publications, and collaborate with an international, DARPA-funded research team.

What you will deliver:

• Design and conduct high-quality physiological experiments in porcine models of anxiety, stress and gut–brain neuromodulation.

• Analyse experimental data, interpret findings, and contribute to publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals.

• Prepare and manage animal ethics applications, compliance documentation and project reporting for large-animal research activities.

• Contribute to research proposals, seminars and conferences, strengthening the project’s profile and fostering external collaborations.

• Support training and co-supervision of students and junior researchers, building capability in advanced animal physiology techniques.

You may be a great fit if:

• Hold or nearly complete a PhD in Animal Science, Physiology or a closely related discipline.

• Bring demonstrated experience conducting physiological experiments in production animals, ideally porcine models of anxiety and stress.

• Manage animal ethics applications, reporting and compliance for complex large-animal research projects.

• Present a developing track record of quality publications, reports and manuscripts aligned with career stage.

• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, engaging constructively with industry, clinical and academic partners.

• Organise workloads and timelines to deliver research milestones independently while meeting project deadlines.

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 – School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences 
Within the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES), you will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community. The School brings together experts in animal science, ecology, food systems and environmental management to tackle global challenges. You will collaborate with a 16-scientist team at the forefront of gut–brain axis research. The team is supported by world-class facilities and strong industry partnerships. The culture values curiosity, collaboration, inclusion and excellence, offering strong mentoring, career development and real-world impact.

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 [email protected].

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

• 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 queries related to this specific position, contact Prof. Jeremy Cottrell at [email protected]

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at [email protected]

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

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

Applications close: 25 May 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

JR-012704 - Research Fellow, Gut Brain Axis - PD.docx

JR-012704 - Research Fellow, Gut Brain Axis - PD.pdf