Research Fellow

Job Description

The Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics at Griffith University embodies multidisciplinary expertise in glycoscience, biomedicine, structural biology and translational research. Our researchers use advanced technologies and collaborative approaches to understand the molecular basis of health and disease and translate fundamental discoveries into better health outcomes.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join an exciting interdisciplinary project investigating how protein glycosylation regulates cytokine signalling during erythropoiesis and how this knowledge can be applied to improve the ex vivo production of red blood cells.

The position is supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council Ideas Grant:

Manufacturing Red Blood Cells: The Critical Role of Glycosylation in Cytokine Signalling.

This $1.67 million collaborative project between Griffith University and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood will investigate how the glycosylation of key cytokines and their receptors influences erythroid-cell proliferation, differentiation, maturation and function.

Red blood cell production is controlled by a complex network of cytokines and cell-surface receptors. Although many of these signalling proteins are extensively glycosylated, the ways in which their carbohydrate structures affect protein recognition, receptor activation and cellular outcomes remain poorly understood. The project will address this important knowledge gap and apply the resulting insights to the development of more efficient approaches for producing red blood cells outside the body.

Improving ex vivo red blood cell production could contribute to future safe and reliable blood supplies, particularly for patients with rare blood types or complex transfusion requirements.

The project brings together an interdisciplinary team with expertise in:

• Glycomics, proteomics and glycoproteomics
• Protein biochemistry and structural biology
• Cytokine and receptor signalling
• Ex vivo human erythropoiesis
• Red blood cell physiology and blood rheology

The successful candidate will work with the research groups of Professor Daniel Kolarich, Dr Larissa Dirr and Professor Michael Simmonds at Griffith University, together with Dr Becky Griffiths at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

This appointment offers an outstanding opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary research profile at the interface of glycoscience, structural biology, cell biology and transfusion research.

Key responsibilities

As the Research Fellow, you will:

• Design, conduct and analyse research investigating the role of protein glycosylation in cytokine signalling and erythroid development.
• Investigate selected cytokines and their receptors using complementary biochemical, glycomic, glycoproteomic, structural and cell-biological approaches.
• Contribute to experiments using ex vivo erythroid culture systems to determine how changes in glycosylation affect cell proliferation, differentiation, maturation and function.
• Work with project specialists to relate molecular and cellular changes to the functional, biophysical and rheological properties of developing and mature red blood cells.
• Develop, optimise and validate experimental protocols relevant to the project.
• Integrate and interpret results produced through multiple experimental platforms and participating laboratories.
• Apply rigorous approaches to experimental design, quantitative analysis, research reproducibility and data management.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at project meetings and national and international scientific conferences.
• Coordinate research activities with investigators, research staff, students and external collaborators.
• Contribute to the supervision and development of honours and higher degree research students, where appropriate.
• Assist with project reporting, research governance, ethics, biosafety and laboratory compliance requirements.
• Contribute to the development of new grant applications and collaborative opportunities arising from the research.
• Participate actively in the research cultures of Griffith University, the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

About you
You will hold a PhD or equivalent qualification in biochemistry, molecular biology, glycobiology, proteomics, structural biology, cell biology, haematology or another discipline relevant to the project.

You will have strong research experience in at least one of the project’s core areas and a genuine interest in learning and applying complementary approaches from the other participating disciplines.

Applicants are not expected to already be experts in every area of the project. Specialist training and mentorship will be available through the interdisciplinary research team.

To be successful in this position, you will demonstrate:

• Advanced research expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Glycomics, glycoproteomics or mass-spectrometry-based proteomics
  • Protein biochemistry, recombinant protein production or protein–protein interaction analysis
  • Structural or biophysical characterisation of proteins
  • Cytokine biology or cell-signalling research
  • Mammalian or primary human cell culture
  • Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology or ex vivo erythropoiesis
  • Red blood cell physiology, biomechanics or blood rheology
• The ability to design, conduct, troubleshoot and interpret complex experiments.
• A sound understanding of quantitative analysis, appropriate experimental controls and research reproducibility.
• A record of high-quality research outputs appropriate to career stage, including peer-reviewed publications.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative and multidisciplinary research program.
• A willingness and capacity to acquire new experimental and analytical skills across the project’s research areas.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate findings to researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds.
• Strong organisational and project-management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver agreed milestones.
• A commitment to research integrity, laboratory safety, collegiality and an inclusive research culture.

Experience in interdisciplinary research, collaborative project delivery or the supervision of research students would be advantageous.

What we can offer
This is a three-year, fixed-term, full-time position primarily based within the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus. The successful candidate will be required to undertake research activities at other Griffith University or Australian Red Cross Lifeblood locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
The successful candidate will be appointed at either Research Fellow Grade 1 or Research Fellow Grade 2, depending on their qualifications, skills, experience and demonstrated level of research expertise.

Base salary range for Research Fellow Grade 1 $91,705 - $107,420 per annum + 17% superannuation. 
Base salary range for Research Fellow Grade 2 $117,076 - $139,031 per annum + 17% supernnauation.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Access to advanced glycomics, glycoproteomics, mass spectrometry, structural biology, cell-culture and blood-rheology capabilities.
• Mentorship from investigators with complementary expertise across molecular glycoscience, structural biology, erythropoiesis and red blood cell physiology.
• Close collaboration with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and exposure to a nationally significant translational research environment.
• Opportunities to establish national and international collaborations.
• Support for high-quality publications, conference participation and professional development.
• Opportunities to contribute to research student supervision, grant development and future translational research.
• Griffith University employment benefits, including 17% employer superannuation, generous leave provisions, salary packaging and professional development opportunities.

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the qualifications above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Visa sponsorship may be available to the successful candidate.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Professor Daniel Kolarich, Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics at [email protected]  

Closing date: 11:59pm AEST 20 September 2026.  All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.