The Royal Melbourne Hospital is one of Australia’s leading public healthcare providers.

Join the team. Build a career. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join The Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Specialist Clinical Virologist/Microbiologist

Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory

The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity

Employment Status: Fixed Term 12 months from 09 February 2026 – 07 February 2027

Hours: 76 per fortnight

The Royal Melbourne is one of Victoria’s largest hospitals providing a comprehensive range of health services including acute, sub-acute, general, and specialist medical services throughout inpatient and community-based facilities. We are also a proud part of the world-renowned Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, working in collaboration to advance research for continuous improvement of clinical care.

Unit Description:

The Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) is a leading Australian infectious diseases reference laboratory located in Melbourne, Victoria.  It forms part of the Royal Melbourne Hospital and is also part of, and based within, the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute), a centre of excellence where leading scientists and clinicians collaborate to improve human health globally.  VIDRL provides laboratory services for the Department of Health Victoria, Victorian hospitals and clinics, the Commonwealth Department of Health, and the World Health Organisation.

About the role:

We are seeking a virologist and/or microbiologist to join the VIDRL medical team for at least 12 months. This opportunity would be suited for experienced virologists or public health microbiologists, however could also be tailored to suit a less experienced microbiologist seeking to specialise in virology and/or high containment facility management.

Key aspects of the role include requirements to:

• Provide high-quality diagnostic and research programs based at VIDRL
• Provide supervision of the virology laboratories, high containment facilities and other sections as required
• Provide high-quality clinician liaison and advice to referring laboratories
• Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Victorian Department of Health, and  other units within the Doherty Institute, particularly the MDU-PHL
• Undertake tasks as required by the Head of Department (HOD), may act for the HOD as required
• Hours to be undertaken during normal laboratory hours of operation, 0900-1700 Monday-Friday plus reasonable additional hours as required
• On-call as required, according to internal roster
• Attendance and / or chairing of internal and external clinical / laboratory / other meetings as required

Please see attached  PD   for additional information regarding the role.

About You:

The applicant must have:

• Registration with the Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) or eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia (for international Medical Graduates)
• Must hold FRCPA with scope of practice in Microbiology
• Experience with Microbiology Laboratory Supervision and Clinical Governance

Desirable qualities:

• Expertise in virology, genomics or public health microbiology 
• Higher research degree

Benefits:

• A Values based organisation offering great prospects for career diversity and professional advancement, including training and research opportunities, and access to mentorship and leadership programs.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellbeing Programs including On-site staff gym, Staff Medical Service, Employee Assistance Program, Peer Support Program - run by our dedicated employees.
• Salary packaging options, discounted onsite car parking, close to public transport.
  
  

Interested?

Upload your resume, cover letter and two references.

For more information please contact Dr. Katherine Bond, Katherine.bond@mh.org.au

Don't delay. Apply Now! Recruitment is ongoing, with interviews commencing as soon as suitable candidates are received.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Record Check and satisfactory Working With Children Check.

The RMH is committed to creating a culturally safe environment as a collective responsibility. We draw on our principles of self-determination, equity, accountability, and shared learning to create a culturally responsive health system that challenges how we strive for continuous quality improvement to meet the expectations of the communities and patients we serve.

RMH is a child safe organisation, committed to upholding the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people in line with the Child Safe Standards.

As a leader in healthcare, we recognise the need to foster a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging. We encourage people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply, and will provide adjustments to support equitable participation.