Indigenous Visiting Research Fellowships

Project Type: Fellowship/PhD

Project Title: Unresolved Indigenous Immunology Patient Cases: Applying Advanced Genomics

Supervisor(s): Dr Vanessa Bryant, Dr Charlotte Slade

Start date: Flexible

Diseases: Rare immune diseases

Area: Immunology

Technology: Genomics, Multi-omics

Project details: This opportunity supports Indigenous researchers using advanced genomics to improve diagnostic outcomes for people with suspected genetic immune disease. The project focus is to understand advanced genomic and multi-omic technologies that support successful diagnoses for Indigenous patients with rare immune conditions.

This opportunity is supported by the partnership between WEHI and The Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics (ALIGN). ALIGN is a purposeful alliance between community, health, research, government, and industry that privileges Indigenous leadership and sovereignty.

ALIGN aims to deliver equity and benefit to Indigenous Australians through genomics. ALIGN seeks to synergistically build and extend Indigenous leadership and involvement in genomic science, research, precision health care, data sciences, ethics and Indigenous knowledge systems to reduce health inequality among Australia’s First Peoples. This opportunity with WEHI is one initiative to support Indigenous leadership and involvement in genomic science and research.

The Immunogenomics Lab investigates the mechanisms of human immune health and disease by exploring how variations in gene expression and immune cell programming influence immune function. Using functional immunology, clinical genomics, and high-resolution single cell omics, we aim to develop new diagnostic tools and identify therapeutic targets that bridge the gaps between clinical genomics, immune cell function, and precision care. Our research focuses on rare immune disorders, with a particular emphasis on Common VariableImmunodeficiency (CVID), both as a primary immunodeficiency and as a model for understanding broader immune dysfunction.

We are committed to translating our research discoveries into clinical impact. We lead key national initiatives, including the ALIGN Immunogenomics Flagship Program and the Australian Immunogenomics Alliance, MRFF-funded programs dedicated to improving diagnostic rates and ensuring equitable access to genomic testing for people with rare and complex immune diseases. As part of the Snow Centre for Immune Health, Dr Bryant and Dr Slade serves as Co-Deputy Directors, working to advance research and clinical translation for complex immune disorders.

The Indigenous Visiting Research Fellowship program will support one Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researcher for up to a two-year period.

Fellows can range from PhD students who have completed their confirmation of candidature, through to mid-career researchers. Clinicians with an interest in research are also welcome to apply. Researchers not currently employed/enrolled to study at WEHI will be given preference.

The Indigenous Visiting Research Fellowship is designed to provide flexible support that can match the needs of the recipients.

The fellowships will be awarded for up to $300,000 over a two-year period ($150,000 pa) for a duration between three and twenty-four months, to be negotiated as appropriate to the career stage and the costs of the project. The fellowship start date is flexible.

The fellowship can be used to cover costs including:

1. Stipend appropriate to the researcher’s level; this will be negotiable depending on whether the fellow suspends employment at their previous employer, or continues to receive financial support during their fellowship. Funding may also be utilised to employ a research assistant if the fellow cannot relocate to the Institute for the duration of the project, and if suitable arrangements can be made with the host laboratory head.
2. Consumables and scientific support for the project.
3. Relocation expenses (if moving to Melbourne) and travel support for the researcher to make return trips home during the year.

Applications will be reviewed by members of the ALIGN Victoria Node Committee, of which there are Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers with an understanding of Indigneous health and medical research.

Key selection criteria:

1. Current or future potential for scientific, professional, clinical and/or cultural leadership.
2. Research achievements as evidenced by track record of publications and/or scientific presentations and/or technical reports and/or health policy documents or academic transcripts (relative to opportunity and current career stage).
3. Interest in the application of clinical genomics, immunogenomics or genomic technologies.
4. Able to commit to a research program on site at WEHI.

Applications are currently open for the Indigenous Visiting Research – Genomics Fellowship Program. Applications for this program opened May 2025 and are reviewed on a rolling basis, so you may apply at any time. To apply, please view position here.

The Indigenous Visiting Research Fellowship program has been established to promote equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under the special measures provisions in the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Therefore only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. Gender equity will be a consideration in the selection of Indigenous Visiting Research Fellows.

For more details, please contact indigenousfellowships@wehi.edu.au.