Research Laboratory Scientist

Alfred Health

Alfred Health is a leader in health care delivery, improvement, research and education. We are the main provider of health services to people living in the inner southeast suburbs of Melbourne, from ambulatory to inpatient and home and community-based services.

• Department of Infectious Diseases
• Fixed term - 12 months
• Classification: Medical Scientist Grade 1 (Yr1-7)

About us

The Research Laboratory Scientist will join a research group that explores the pharmacodynamic profiling of antimicrobials. Developing robust and clinically relevant pharmacokinetic (PK) / pharmacodynamic (PD) models will enable us to engage in independent antimicrobial in vitro research and foster new collaborations with the biopharmaceutical industry on drug discovery, dosing and licensing. Our research outcomes will develop tools and an understanding of how to rationally optimise antimicrobial therapy in vulnerable patients. This will raise the standard of clinical care by establishing robust evidence, based on PK/PD principles, for personalised treatment regimens in patients. The broader scope of this work is to influence health policy in relation to antimicrobial licensing, susceptibility, indication and dosing recommendations.

Our group has expertise in in vitro PK/PD modelling and examining the activity and efficacy of antimicrobial agents tested under dynamic in vitro simulations. Using mathematical PK modelling guided by human PK data, simulations are designed to match the kinetics seen in vivo. By applying key PK/PD principles, optimised antimicrobial dosing strategies are tested to quantify the impact on bacterial kill and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance to inform clinical and diagnostic laboratory practice. Furthermore, clinical correlation and validation studies in patients prescribed antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs will consolidate in vitro drug development pathways.

About the role

This role will assist in research activities to support the group including, laboratory-based and clinical research, study participant enrolment, experimental and patient sample processing and analysis. Techniques will include; bacterial cultures and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility and synergy testing, phenotypic and genotypic assessments of resistance, mutation frequency, analysis of bacterial growth kinetics, enzyme immunoassays, laboratory media production and customisation, time-kill assays, dynamic in vitro modelling (including the bladder infection in vitro model), PK/PD data analysis, study design, ethics applications, participant consent and study enrolment, and human sample processing.

About you 

Required Qualifications/Experience and Skills

• Science or Biomedical Science Degree with a strong microbiological focus or an equivalent combination of experience and training
• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and working in Physical Containment 2 facilities
• Experience in a microbiology laboratory particularly standard microbiology techniques such as, bacterial culturing and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility and laboratory media production
• Sound computer skills and ability to accurately record data, with the capability and willingness to learn new packages as appropriate
• Planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a busy laboratory environment
• Excellent communication and people skills with the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to problem solve through standard application of theoretical principles and techniques at a degree level

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• Understanding of time-kill assays, broth microdilution MIC determination, CFU quantification, antimicrobial synergy assays, dynamic PK/PD in vitro modelling
• Statistical skills in exposure-response analyses, Monte Carlo simulations, and mechanism-based-models.
• Bacteriophage and bacteriophage-antimicrobial synergy experiments
• Willingness to maintain an advanced knowledge relevant to the position
• Experience with data collection, managing datasets and database software
• Experience and strong foundation assisting in research projects, including clinical research, ethics applications, participant consent and enrolment

Enquiries Brian Price Operations MAnager Department of Infectious Diseases M: 0404816429

Applications Close: 11pm AEST, Wednesday 25th June 2025

Alfred Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve.  Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged.

In accordance with the Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Act 2020, health care workers in Category A or B roles (as determined by the department’s risk ratings) are required to be vaccinated against influenza or hold an acceptable medical exemption. 

Website: www.alfredhealth.org.au