Research Fellow, Grade 1

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

This position will be within Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics. The Institute brings together Griffith’s formidable strengths in biomedical research. By combining outstanding discovery and translational research, infrastructure, and training expertise our goal is to deliver real and immediate impacts locally and globally, transforming the lives of people around the world, especially those in disadvantaged communities.

Job Description

The Research Fellow will work as part of a team on an exciting new project focused on vaccine adjuvant discovery and development funded under an NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence. The position is responsible for testing of large libraries of compounds to facilitate the identification of novel immune potentiating molecules and follow up investigation to further define the action of hit and lead molecules. Research will include in vitro cell-based assays and mechanistic studies, in vivo assays, and application of machine learning/AI approaches to adjuvant discovery. The Research Fellow will also contribute to program and laboratory management. 

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Implementation of cytotoxicity, endotoxin and related assays
• In vivo immunogenicity and reactogenicity studies in mice
• Contributing to the development machine learning/AI approaches for compound triaging
• Contributing to immunological and other assays, as required
• Data analysis and preparation of research reports, presentation and publications as required
• Acting as Program Manager for the Centre of Research Excellence

This is a fixed term (three years), full-time position based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan).  As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.  Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
The full-time salary for a Research Fellow, Grade 1 is in the range $91,705 - $107,420 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total package is in the range $107,295 - $125,682 per annum.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in cell or molecular biology/therapeutic discovery/vaccinology or a related area.

In addition to the above, you will demonstrate:

• Experience in laboratory work including cell culture
• Demonstrated experience in managing large datasets, including preforming assays and data analysis
• Demonstrated experience in therapeutic discovery and development approaches 
• A high level of oral and written communication, excellent record keeping and good time management skills to ensure research activities are completed to the highest possible standards and within the required timeframe.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently to meet the requirements of the project.
• Flexibility to adjust working hours, where required, to meet project objectives and deadlines.

Additional Information

Why join Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts.
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading.

How to Apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure your application includes the following:    

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, in particular, addressing the key criteria as listed in the Qualifications section (above) and the position description  
• Current curriculum vitae/resume which should include:  
  • Full name, address, telephone number and email address;  
  • Details of education, professional training and qualifications;  
  • Employment history, including present position and details of relevant professional, consulting or industry experience;  
  • Research interests and list of publications;  
  • Research grants awarded and any other relevant information, such as offices held in professional bodies, community services etc.  
  • Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Professor Katherine Andrews on (07) 3735 4420 and/or k.andrews@griffith.edu.au

For further application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner on t.burke@griffith.edu.au

Closing date:  Friday, 13 November 2026 at 11.59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.