Careers at UniSC

• UniSC School of Health | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Full-time (36.25 Hrs per week), fixed-term appointment for 2 years
• Academic Level B - $114,751 - $136,143 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation

The School of Heath (SOH)

Where Passion Meets Impact - Join the School of Health!

Are you eager to make a difference in health education and research? Join our dedicated team of researchers and educators at the School of Health (SOH). We have a strong focus on cultivating healthy minds, bodies, and environments through our teaching, research, and outreach efforts. With a purpose that extends regionally and impacts globally, we are committed to advancing knowledge in the health sector and improving the well-being of our communities. Together, let's create healthier communities now and for the generations to come.

For more information, please visit us online: School of Health

The Opportunity

Join a groundbreaking Australian Research Council Discovery Project – Precision receptor-specific miticides for safeguarding Australian bees. This innovative project tackles one of the biggest threats to global bee populations by developing targeted miticides that eliminate Varroa mites while keeping bees safe. Using cutting-edge approaches in bioinformatics, molecular cloning of Varroa ligand-gated ion channel targets, miticide design via molecular docking, functional assays, dsRNA design, and in vitro and in vivo testing of novel miticides, you’ll contribute to world-first solutions. Working across four collaborating sites – UniSC, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, and the Swiss Bee Research Centre,  you’ll help deliver outcomes with significant environmental and economic impact, positioning Australia at the forefront of Varroa research.

In this role, you’ll play a lead part in project management and delivery, from study design and data analysis to publications and reporting. You’ll coordinate complex, multi-site research, while contributing to student supervision and fostering collaborative relationships across diverse research teams. Your skills in communication, data acquisition, and analysis will be critical in driving this ambitious project forward and shaping real-world solutions to protect pollinators and secure agricultural sustainability.

You will:

• Conduct innovative research: take the lead in designing and conducting innovative research projects aligned with your expertise and UniSC’s research priorities. Employ rigorous methodologies and stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field.
• Publish research findings: disseminate research findings through high-impact publications in reputable journals, conferences, and other scholarly outlets. Contribute to UniSC’s reputation as a leader in cutting-edge research.
• Collaborate with research team: engage in collaborative research efforts with other members of the research team, fostering a supportive and productive research environment. Contribute your expertise and knowledge to interdisciplinary projects.
• Secure research funding: actively participate in securing research grants and funding opportunities to support your research projects. Demonstrate the potential impact of your research to attract external funding.
• Contribute to research impact: communicate and present research outcomes to various stakeholders, including academic peers, policymakers, and the public. Demonstrate how your research contributes to addressing real-world challenges and has a broader societal impact.

About you:

You’re a motivated researcher with a strong track record of high-quality publications, methodological expertise, and a collaborative approach. Proactive in pursuing research funding, you’re dedicated to delivering impactful work that addresses real-world challenges. Your passion for advancing knowledge and driving meaningful change is matched by your commitment to achieving outcomes that make a lasting difference in your field.

You will possess:

• Completion of a doctoral qualification in a relevant field and experience as a laboratory-based researcher;
• Foundational knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, and pharmacology. Expertise in the field of neurotransmitter receptors or parasitology is highly desirable;
• A demonstrated ability in molecular/cellular biology techniques. Experience with RNA preparation, cDNA synthesis, PCR, molecular cloning, plasmid preparation, mutagenesis, DNA sequencing, and in vitro transcription of mRNA is highly desirable;
• Experience in the design and implemention of in vitro or in vivo insecticide/miticide assays is also highly desirable;
• Refereed publications and other acknowledged research outputs that are discipline specific.  Applicants must clearly identify their contribution as distinct from other contributors and provide evidence of the quality of the output (impact factor, citations etc);
• External funding (internal and external) awarded over the last five years. In the case of research fellowship applicants, internal grants will also be considered as part of the assessment process.  Applicants must clearly identify their contribution as distinct from other contributors;
• Esteem measures (key note addresses or invitations to present, prizes and awards, committee/board membership etc);
• Technology transfer activities;
• Outreach activities (including engagement with external partners); and
• Supervision of research students.  In the case of all applicants, supervision of higher degree research students and number of completions will also be taken into consideration.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position description:  493547 - Research Fellow in Varroa Neurotransmitter Receptor Biology.pdf

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through our website.

Applications for this position close midnight, Friday 12 September 2025.

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, and responses to specific pre-determined selection criteria as outlined in the application form.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Professor Robert Harvey
Associate Dean, Research – School of health
Telephone: 07 5430 1294
Email: rharvey2@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland.

Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. In 2023 we recorded the biggest improvement in Australia for research quality, moving up more than 331 places in the world rank.

We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.