Research Officer- Experimental Biology and Surveillance Innovation

About QIMR Berghofer:

QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Brain and Mental Health, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and non-research staff.

About the Mosquito Genomics Laboratory:

The position will be based within the Mosquito Genomics Laboratory. Our research brings together mosquito biology, population genomics, surveillance, public health and citizen science to develop new approaches for detecting and responding to mosquito-borne disease threats.

Mosquito surveillance remains an important part of protecting communities from mosquito-borne disease. Our research aims to develop new approaches that make mosquito surveillance simpler, scalable and suitable for deployment across diverse settings, including through community participation.

The successful applicant will join a multidisciplinary research environment with access to mosquito insectaries, laboratory and genomic facilities, field research opportunities, and collaborations across public health, research and community partners.

About the Opportunity:

We are looking for a creative and independent postdoctoral researcher to join our team and help develop new technologies for mosquito surveillance.

This is a hands-on, highly experimental position for someone who enjoys moving from an idea to a prototype, testing it rigorously, learning from what works and what fails, and developing the next version.

We are interested in researchers from a broad range of backgrounds, including experimental biology, behavioural ecology, chemical ecology, entomology, ecology, insect science, engineering, prototyping, product development or related disciplines. You do not need to be a mosquito expert.

What matters most is that you are curious, experimentally rigorous, practically minded, and excited by solving open-ended biological problems.

There is substantial scope for the successful candidate to bring their own expertise and ideas to the project. 

About you:

You will have:

• a PhD in experimental biology, ecology, behavioural science, entomology, chemical ecology, engineering or another relevant discipline;
• demonstrated ability to conduct independent experimental research;
• strong experimental-design and problem-solving skills;
• a hands-on approach to developing, testing and refining experimental systems, methods or technologies;
• the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative multidisciplinary team;
• willingness to work with mosquitoes and other insects in laboratory and field settings.

We would particularly welcome applicants with experience in one or more of the following:

• experimental or behavioural biology;
• chemical ecology or insect sensory ecology;
• entomology or insect biology;
• field experimentation;
• development or modification of experimental equipment;
• prototype development and testing;
• mosquito or other insect trapping and surveillance.

Previous experience working with mosquitoes is advantageous but not essential. We are particularly interested in transferable experimental skills and researchers who enjoy learning new systems.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

Please refer to the position description on the QIMR Berghofer Careers website for a full list of responsibilities and key selection criteria.

What we can offer: 

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for an initial period of 12 months.

The position classification is QR2 (Research Officer). The corresponding salary range is $98,983 to $106,201 p.a. plus super and generous salary packaging. 

For further information:  please contact Team Head, Gordana Rasic via email *************@qimrb.edu.au

Closing Date:  Sunday, 6 September 2026

How to Apply: please use the APPLY button. All applicants must supply the following documents:

• your CV;
• a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position; and
• a short description of an experimental problem, prototype or research method that you have developed, modified or troubleshot, and what you learned from the process.

We welcome applications from researchers with diverse disciplinary backgrounds. If your experience does not fit a traditional mosquito-research profile but you think your experimental skills could bring something valuable to the project, we encourage you to apply.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

Why Join Us?

• Support research that improves lives and advances healthcare outcomes
• Salary packaging benefits (up to $15,900 of your annual salary tax free)
• Salary package up to $2,650 of your pre-tax income for entertainment expenses
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fitness Passport Gym Membership
• Generous leave provisions including an annual Wellbeing Day
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion