Post-doctoral Systems Immunologist - Paediatric Malaria

An exciting opportunity is available for a Post-doctoral Systems Immunologist to join the Immunity Division (Mueller Laboratory) at Australia's pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Project
We are seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join a multidisciplinary research team investigating the systems immunology of naturally acquired malaria immunity in Papua New Guinean (PNG) children. This project builds on well-characterised longitudinal cohorts and severe malaria case control of children in PNG and leverages high-dimensional immunological profiling to define the cellular, molecular, and systems-level correlates of protection against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria.

Using state-of-the-art approaches - including high-dimensional flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics and multi-omics data integration - the project aims to:

• Characterise the development and maintenance of humoral and cellular malaria immunity in children over time.
• Identify systems-level immune signatures that distinguish protected from susceptible children.
• Elucidate the impact of repeated malaria exposure, age, and co-infections on immune maturation.
• Translate immunological findings into candidate biomarkers for vaccine development and disease monitoring.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of infectious disease epidemiology, global health, immunology, and data science, contributing to globally important work on a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute high-dimensional immunological assays (incl. flow cytometry, single-cell sequencing / proteomics, ELISA, multiplex immunoassays) on clinical PBMC and plasma samples from the PNG cohorts.
• Perform rigorous bioinformatic and statistical analyses of multi-omics datasets.
• Integrate data across multiple immunological platforms (transcriptomics, proteomics, antibody profiling) to generate systems-level insights.
• Work collaboratively with PNG-based field and laboratory partners to ensure high-quality sample and data integrity and provide training and support for a newly planned prospective immunome cohort study.
• Contribute to the intellectual direction of the project and generate hypotheses independently.
• Write and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals; present at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to grant applications and help mentor junior researchers (research assistants, PhD students).

• PhD in Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Systems Biology, Computational Biology, or a closely related field (awarded or near completion).
• Demonstrated experience in human immunology, with hands-on expertise in at least one high-dimensional platform (flow cytometry, CyTOF, single-cell RNA-seq, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in bioinformatic analysis using R and/or Python, including familiarity with relevant packages.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications commensurate with career stage.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex immunological datasets.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, international team.

• Prior research experience in malaria immunology, tropical infectious diseases, or paediatric immunology.
• Experience working with samples from clinical cohort studies or resource-limited settings.
• Familiarity with multi-omics data integration frameworks or network-based analysis tools.
• Experience with serology or B cell / antibody biology.
• Knowledge of malaria immunoepidemiology, particularly in paediatric or PNG populations.
• Familiarity with ethical considerations for research with paediatric cohorts and samples from low- and middle-income countries.

• A stimulating, collaborative research environment at the forefront of global infectious disease immunology.
• Access to a well-characterised, longitudinal PNG paediatric cohort with rich linked clinical and immunological data.
• Cutting-edge laboratory infrastructure and computational resources.
• Opportunities for fieldwork and direct engagement with PNG research partners.
• Support for career development including conference attendance, training, and mentorship.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Our laboratory has a long history of investigating the natural acquisition of immunity to malaria by combining well-designed longitudinal cohort studies with in-depth assessments of human immune responses. The lab is embedded within the WEHI Department of Immunology and maintains long-standing research partnerships with the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR) and clinical partners in Madang and East Sepik Provinces. For this project, we also collaborate with the Snow Center for Immune Health in Melbourne and the Human Immunome Project (at Yale University). We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from researchers of all backgrounds.

Terms of Appointment

This position is for 2 years in a full-time capacity. Salary is Research Employee Level A6-8 or Level B dependent on expertise. Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.

General enquiries can be directed to Prof. Ivo Mueller at ••••@wehi.edu.au
A generic position description for Research Officer (Level A6-8) is available here.
A generic position description for Senior Research Officer (Level B) is available here.

How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 27 August 2026.

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At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.

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