RESEARCH POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Associate Professor in Immunology

Position Number 1213D01 Level/ Classification: Associate

Professor/
ACAPD
Reports to Director of Centre for Clinical Pharmacology and Infectious
Diseases
Unit Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Directorate Research and Innovation Office

Position Purpose
The successful candidate will be passionate about human translational research and have
demonstrated evidence of reaching key career milestones. The individual will oversee and
lead an exciting, internationally facing program studying the immunopathogenesis of
immunologically mediated drug reactions that has now included the development of cutting
edge single cell technologies. The desired skill set will include a PhD with several years of
post-doctoral experience and a strong background in cellular immunology.
A strong track record of academic excellence is expected at this level, as is high quality
research that has national and/or international impact. An Associate Professor makes a
considerable contribution to the University’s postgraduate supervision and is expected to play
a leadership role in University administration. Links to relevant industry groups and external
stakeholders that will advance the interests of the Centre and the University are also
expected. This position makes a substantial contribution to all teaching activities relevant to
IIID, as well as a substantial contribution to the discipline and profession.

About Murdoch University

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015, Murdoch University is internationally recognised as
Murdoch University is internationally recognised as a research-led institution, pioneering
solutions and collaborating with outstanding researchers across the globe to achieve positive
impact in society, industry and the environment. In line with our commitment to research-
led teaching and evidence-based practice, our students work alongside specialist researchers
to tackle the most critical global challenges including food security, sustainability and health
futures. With a student body of more than 18,000 and over 2,000 employees, the University
has 3 campuses in the Perth metro area and Centres in Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai.
Murdoch University is deeply committed to both its immediate local and international regions
and has strong links to government, business and the community.

Our Strategic Plan 2012-2017 outlines an ambitious blueprint, which embraces a new global
context, identifies key business imperatives and highlights our ambition to consolidate and

Position Description
Associate Professor Level D: Research
further enhance our prestigious international reputation as a high quality research-led
university for future success.

Our core priorities are threefold and in line with other leading universities across the globe:
• Pioneering research
• High quality teaching and learning
• Strong societal engagement for positive impact
The goals, as detailed in the Strategic Plan, constitute a set of strategic priorities which will
underpin our institutional vision.

About the Work Area

The Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases was established in 2006 as a result of
a collaboration between Murdoch University and the Department of Health Western Australia
to provide care for high needs patients with chronic diseases.

The Institute’s mission is to pursue excellence and productivity in health by undertaking

world-class clinical and research programs with the best clinicians, researchers, facilities and
services. The team works to prevent and reduce the impact of disease on people and
communities around the world, while advancing medical and scientific knowledge in global
healthcare with a focus on immunology and infectious diseases.

Reporting Relationships

Director, Centre
for Pharmacology
and Infectious
Diseases

Associate Professor Postdoctoral

in Immunology Research Fellow

Research Assistant

Key Responsibilities / Duties

1. Make a substantial contribution to research, individually and as leader of a team.
Research outputs should have national and/or international impact.
2. Take a leadership role in developing and mentoring junior academic staff.
3. Consult with, and provide advice to, undergraduate and postgraduate students.
4. Supervise honours, Masters by Coursework, HDR and postgraduate students.
5. Make a substantial contribution to the School, the University, the profession and the
discipline.

Position Description
Associate Professor Level D: Teaching and Research
6. Engage with industry and other external stakeholders in order to develop partnerships
and progress the interests of the School and the University.
7. Make a substantial contribution to service, at both School and University level, by
undertaking specific administrative, planning and/or committee work.
8. Take a leadership role in a cellular laboratory.
9. Develop, supervise and perform specialized complex tests, and examine and interpret
results with respect to expected results and their significance.
10. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant literature and play a role in the education of
others in the Institute.
11. Participate in the University’s Academic Performance Development and Review (APDR).
12. Undertake such other duties as determined by the Director.
13. Project management and designing and conducting research with complex and
specialized tests involving cellular assays;
14. Conducting cellular immunology work-up such as tissue culture, flow cytometry, ICS
assays and ELISpot, molecular and genetic assays, tetramer design and T-cell cloning.
15. Work closely with a bioinformatics team in data analysis and data visualization tools
16. Work closely and liaise with an international team of researchers operating in different
timezones.
17. Engage in intercontinental travel and work for short periods of time at an international
location at short notice if necessary.
18. Deliver research papers for publication in top journals and oral delivery of the highest
calibre to learned audiences.
19. Commitment to continuous quality improvement and professional development.
20. Establish relationships with external stakeholders that will advance the research
interests of the institute and University.

Specific and Desirable Skills

1. Expertise in optimizing cellular and genetic assays.

2. Experimental design and analysis of complex datasets
3. Ability to analyse TCR and RNA seq data and contribute to development of visualization
tools.
4. Additional desirable skillsets include knowledge of single cell preparation methods, cell
sorting methods, X-ray crystallography, peptide elution and computing experience and
experience with liquid handling and automation and single cell platform such as 10X
Chromium, Drop-Seq, Fluidigm C1.

University Values / Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

All staff are expected to comply with the Code of Ethics and the University’s Code of
Conduct and demonstrate a commitment to its Equity and Diversity and Safety principles
and the general capabilities of personal effectiveness, working collaboratively and
demonstrating a focus on results.

Position Description
Associate Professor Level D: Teaching and Research
All Staff are to complete a Development Review Annually. Details of the University policies
on Development Review can be accessed here.

A Commencing Development Review should be completed within 3 months of

commencement.

Essential Selection Criteria

1. A PhD in immunology or a related science and appropriate post-doctoral and career
experience in cellular immunology.
2. A track record of success in producing high quality independent research outputs that
have national and international impact and influence including presentation, grant
writing and publication record.
3. A track record of success in attracting external competitive research funding that has
national and/or international impact. (Desirable).
4. Competitive for, or already engaged in, the NH&MRC research fellowship scheme.
5. A demonstrated track record in successful supervision of PhD students to completion.
6. Demonstrated links with relevant industry groups and external stakeholders that will
advance the research interests of the Institute and the University.
7. Demonstrated high levels of written and oral communication skills in English.
8. Well-developed interpersonal skills, past success in working effectively as a member of
an interdisciplinary and collegial team, and evidence of leadership skills and leadership
potential in teaching and learning, research, and administrative activities..
9. Demonstrated ability to contribute intellectually to research collaborations, publications,
project designs and grant writing.
10. Willingness to engage in international travel to support research collaborations.
11. Willingness to contribute to full range of the Centre’s programs and activities including
student supervision, participation at meetings and committee representation.

Work Requirements

1. A willingness and ability to travel internationally on a regular basis.

2. Ability to work outside of normal office hours when required.
3. Be able to provide evidence of appropriate vaccination or immunity in accordance
with the University’s Immunisation Policy.

Position Description
Associate Professor Level D: Teaching and Research