Macsys Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (2 Positions Available)

Job no: 0061631
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Continuing
Faculty: Science
Department/School: School of BioSciences
Salary: Level B – $114,645 – $136,136 p.a. plus 17% super

• Join us as post-doctoral fellows at MACSYS, the world's largest mathematical cell biology research initiative.
• Enhancing mathematical models using advanced methods, primarily focusing on exploring large dimensional model spaces for whole cell modeling.
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role

We are looking to recruit two highly motivated post-doctoral fellows to join the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems (MACSYS); the world’s largest focused research initiative in mathematical biology.

MACSYS brings together mathematical, computational, and biological scientists to generate the mathematics and computational technologies required to make biology predictive; establish mathematical whole cell models (WCMs) for in silico biology as a powerful complement to traditional in vivo and in vitro approaches; tackle fundamental biological problems; and establish a world-leading research and biotechnology translation environment.

You will be responsible for developing and implementing advanced computational methods to propose updates and enhancements to mathematical models.

Your primary focus will be on exploring and navigating large-dimensional model spaces for the purpose of whole-cell modelling.

One of the positions is reserved for suitably qualified candidates who identify as women (cis and trans gender), non-binary, or gender diverse (in accordance with the special measure H103/2014 provided for under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (VIC)).

Your responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand the intricacies of existing mathematical models and propose improvements to enhance their accuracy and performance.
• Create innovative automated modelling techniques and algorithms to facilitate the optimisation and refinement of large-scale mathematical models.
• Explore and analyse large dimensional model spaces to identify potential areas for enhancement, optimisation, and experimental refinement.
• Use your background in pure mathematics to develop and adapt cutting edge methods from algebraic geometry, functional analysis, stochastic process theory, and related disciplines to solve problems in theoretical systems and computational cell biology.
• Coordinate parts of the Centre’s research and research training program across nodes and research themes in close collaboration with the Centre Director and the Deputy Director Research.

Who We Are Looking For

You will possess a demonstrated aptitude for research, showcased through a robust publication record in relevant areas, aligned with your experience. Additionally, you should demonstrate the ability to prepare research reports and manuscripts for publication, coupled with a strong commitment to building an academic research career trajectory.

You will also have:

• Completion of a PhD in mathematics or a very closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in the supervision of PhD and undergraduate researchers in theoretical systems biology until successful completion.
• A proven track-record, evidenced by publications in leading journals and invited presentations, of research in either (i) algebraic geometry, and simplicial geometry, hypergraphs, and generalised network models; or (ii) the stochastic analysis of complex systems.
• Experience in modelling complex biological systems at the cellular level, and collaborations across the mathematical, biophysical, and biological domains.
• Proven ability to bring cutting-edge mathematical techniques to bear on biological problems.
• Experience with scientific computing and programming in Julia.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – “School of BioSciences“

The School of BioSciences is a vibrant collective of academic and professional staff, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students, and valued funders, collaborators, and alumni.

Our scholars and students explore questions of conservation and climate change, evolution and behaviour, genetics and development, marine biology, or plant biodiversity.

Science at Melbourne is a global leader across fundamental and impactful scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system. We aim to be leaders who positively impact the community locally and globally, addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us.

Our strength is our breadth of expertise. We are the second largest faculty in the University comprising seven schools: Agriculture, Food & Ecosystem Sciences, BioSciences, Chemistry, Geography, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics and Veterinary Science.

What We Offer You!In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. 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 and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.

Be YourselfThe University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ApplicantsWe aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Anna Gradoboeva via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.