Principal Research Fellow, Single cell and spatial biology

• 495321
• Cairns
• Other
• Townsville
• Academic
• Full time
• Closing on: Jul 26 2026

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

We now have an opportunity available for passionate and experienced Academic to join the JCU Horizons Program. A new transformative, challenge-led research investment, the JCU Horizons Program will accelerate our impactful research agenda to address key global and Australian challenges.

• Full-time; continuing.
• Academic Level D $164,231 - $180,463 - per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
• Position based at either the Cairns Nguma-Bada campus, Smithfield or Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas.
• The position will initially be three years research-focused within the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine and College of Science and Engineering (CSE), before moving to a teaching and research ongoing appointment within CSE.

About the JCU Horizons Program

The JCU Horizons Program will solidify James Cook University as a national and Indo-Pacific leader in high-impact, multidisciplinary research. With over $10 million committed across seven years, JCU Horizons aims to further build world-class research strengths and global reputation in areas of strategic importance and opportunity. It will work in partnership with stakeholders to catalyse research programs that lead to research impact. The program is designed to support the development of high-performing teams, as well as ensuring JCU’s teaching is relevant to regional needs. More information can be found on our webpage and media release.

The JCU Horizons Program will build a portfolio of research supported by a comprehensive investment package that includes a continuing employment contract for a senior academic, within a team supported by a research package, and tailored onboarding support.

About the College of Science and Engineering

The College of Science and Engineering is a comprehensive provider of world class research and undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a range of science, technology and engineering disciplines.

As part of the Academy, the College of Science and Engineering promotes, supports and administers quality teaching, hands-on experiences, industry placements and research at JCU in the areas of Marine Biology & Aquaculture, Zoology and Ecology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Information Technology, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Veterinary Sciences.

We are recognised globally for our excellence in research and we strive to ensure that we bring research directly into our classrooms. Our diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are united by a commitment to excellent teaching, experiential learning opportunities utilising our world class infrastructure and natural laboratories, and a commitment to diversity and respect for difference.

Our postgraduate courses offer professionals opportunities to develop their abilities and advance their careers and our PhD program has launched a thousand research careers.

About the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine

The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) is a flagship research institute of James Cook University based in the tropics of northern Australia. Australia’s only dedicated tropical health and medicine research institute, AITHM is focussed on solving problems of importance to the tropics, leading to improvements in health systems and healthcare delivery, improved biosecurity, and enhanced health outcomes for Australians and our neighbouring tropical nations. This strategic plan builds on our existing strengths in basic, translational, clinical, and health systems research to define our priorities and strategic goals for the next five years.

About the opportunity

James Cook University (JCU) is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated academic leader in Single Cell and Spatial Biology to join the prestigious Horizon Program, an initiative designed to accelerate research excellence and support the next generation of scientific leaders in Northern Australia. This continuing appointment will contribute to JCU’s strategic priorities in health, precision medicine, molecular and biological sciences, with a focus on delivering world-class research, innovative teaching, and impactful collaborations that address regional, national, and global challenges.

In this role, you will provide academic leadership in cutting-edge single cell and spatial biology methodologies, including but not limited to multi-omics, spatial transcriptomics, advanced imaging, high-dimensional data analysis, and integrative systems biology. You will also have the opportunity to establish and lead a high-performing research group, attract competitive external funding, and drive interdisciplinary partnerships across the university, healthcare sector, industry, and national research networks.

A key aspect of the role is to support and expand JCU’s capability in advanced cellular and molecular technologies, contributing to initiatives in infectious diseases, immunology, environmental science, tropical medicine, aquaculture and biomedical innovation. Following an initial 3-year research-only period, the position will also play a central role in developing and delivering high-quality teaching and supervision in relevant undergraduate and postgraduate programs, while mentoring early-career researchers and fostering a collaborative, inclusive research culture.

What you can bring to the role

• PhD in a relevant field and an outstanding record of scholarly achievement in single cell or spatial biology.
• Evidence of sustained research excellence, including high-impact publications and successful competitive grant funding.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced single cell and spatial technologies and related computational and bioinformatic analysis.
• Proven experience in academic leadership, research team development, and mentoring.
• Ability to build productive partnerships and contribute to strategic goals in the higher education sector.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication, interpersonal skills and highly developed time management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a flexible team-based environment.

Why JCU?

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Well-equipped campus facilities including medical, cafes, gym and childcare.

What matters to us at JCU?

• Our People – Our staff, students, and the communities we serve
• Our Education – Knowledge has the power to change lives
• Our Place – the Tropics and beyond
• Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

How to apply and contact details

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the Tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form.
2. Upload your current resume.
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role.
4. Upload a separate document in response to the selection criteria as found in the duty descriptor.

Applications close on Sunday 26th July at 11:55 PM AEST.

About our process

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.