Academic Duty Descriptor

Academic Duty Descriptor

Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research

Fellow
Position Number

6000013514

Division/College

Division of Tropical Health and

Medicine/AITHM

Campus Location

Cairns

Classification

Academic Level A/B

Fraction

100%

Reports To

Professorial Research Fellow - Immunology

of infectious disease

Supervisor Position Number

6000014424

Number of positions supervised

Directly: 0

Date Last Reviewed

14Dec 2015

Position Overview
The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) is a newlyestablished health and medical research institute within James Cook University
that is funded by both state and federal governments. AITHMs focus is on
research in tropical health and medicine across a wide range of disciplines, with
a particular focus on northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific.
An opportunity exists for a postdoctoral position in the molecular immunology
of infectious diseases, with an emphasis on malaria as a key indication and
systems immunology as a platform. A specific interest is to explore the
mechanisms underlying immune responsiveness and vaccine efficacy, using
samples from humans experimentally infected with Plasmodium parasites in
controlled human malaria infections, or naturally exposed to malaria in
geographically distinct field sites, as well as rodent models of malaria. It is
anticipated that this research will have broad application to a wide range of
infectious and chronic diseases, withimportant implications for vaccination.
The position will be formally supervised by and take scientific direction from
Professor Denise Doolan (Cairns Campus).

Human Resources Academic Duty Descriptor template version 4

Division of Tropical Health and Medicine

The Office of the Division of Tropical Health and Medicine provides collaborative
leadership with the Colleges and ensures that the Colleges are able to deliver
the core business of learning and teaching, research and engagement and
contribute effectively to the strategic agenda. The Division office drives the
strategic objectives of the Division and also services a proportion of College
administrative operations. The Colleges of the Division include:

Medicine and Dentistry

Healthcare Sciences

Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences

Organisational Charts
James Cook University
Division of Tropical Health and Medicine

Principal Accountabilities
1. Execute projects in the immunology of malaria, including ensuring
compliance with project agreements, effective scheduling and resource
management.
2. Effectively monitor and report progress against agreed milestones.
3. Report and present project outcomes via peer-reviewed publications and
national/international conference presentations.
4. Provide technical leadership of project teams, including the development
and implementation of project plans, resource management, scheduling,
and reporting.
5. Assist in the establishment of malaria as a key research strength at
AITHM.
6. Assist in the development of molecular immunology capacity at AITHM
7. Support the University's commitment to the principles of reconciliation,
which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage
and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
8. Demonstrate a commitment to the University values.
9. Support the principles of the TropEco program and engage in
commitment to JCU sustainability goals and objectives.

Generic Accountabilities
There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.
1. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Fellow is required to
observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of
the University Council, understand and comply with the Enterprise
Agreement, the Statutes and Rules of the University, the policies and

decisions of the University Council and other appropriate University

authorities, as in force from time to time.
2. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Fellowis required to
demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure personal safety and the
safety of others and contribute to the continuous improvement of our
WHS performance.
This includes the effective implementation and
compliance with James Cook University WHS policies, procedures and
safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislation, duties and
obligations. Contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS
performance.
3. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Fellow is required to
exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the well-being of the
University which involve public writing or speaking in accordance with
the Universitys Code of Conduct.

Selection Criteria
Selection and appointments will be assessed against selection criteria.
Essential
1. A PhD in any aspect of biological sciences
2. Expertise in cellular and molecular immunology, with a strong interest in
systems immunology and computational science
3. Demonstrated proficiency to carry out high quality research, and record
of professional achievement in the relevant discipline area
4. Demonstrated high-level skills in written and verbal communication,
organization, and time management
5. Good interpersonal skills, and an ability to work in a team environment
6. Capacity to think outside the box to foster creative achievement and
innovative approaches
Desirable
1. Experience working in a multidisciplinary environment
2. Expertise in host-pathogen interactions, immune regulation, malaria,
reverse vaccinology, and/or vaccine development