Make your future Melbourne

WEHI is one of Australia’s leading biomedical research organisations, with a strong national and international reputation for performing highly influential basic and translational research.

With more than 1400 staff and students, the institute is addressing some of the major health challenges of our time, with a focus on cancer, infection, inflammation, immune disorders and healthy development.

We are at the forefront of research innovation, with a strong commitment to excellence and investment in research computing, advanced technologies and developing new medicines and diagnostics. And our researchers are strongly supported by Professional Services teams.

WEHI is dedicated to welcoming scientists wishing to pursue their work in an environment conducive to innovation, excellence and academic freedom.

WEHI is located in Melbourne’s prestigious biomedical precinct

WEHI
The University of Melbourne
The Florey
The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
CSL
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
VCCC Alliance
The Royal Melbourne Hospital
The Royal Women’s Hospital
Bio21 Institute
The Royal Children’s Hospital

Lead the next wave of biomedical discovery
Join WEHI as a Laboratory Head

Make your mark in Melbourne

WEHI is seeking innovative and driven researchers from around the world to lead the next generation of scientific discovery. If you are passionate about advancing knowledge and making a tangible impact on health and disease, we invite you to join our world-class research institute.

We are seeking emerging leaders in biomedical research who are:

Discovery-driven: Committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and scientific advancement.
Recognised experts: Demonstrating excellence and leadership in their field.
Impact-focused: Passionate about translating research into benefits for national and global communities.
Collaborative and inclusive: Dedicated to fostering a diverse and supportive research culture.

Our research strengths

WEHI’s research programs span a broad range of disciplines, including:

Immunology
Infection and Global Health
Inflammation
Structural Biology
Genetics and Gene Regulation
Ubiquitin Signalling
Advanced Technology and Biology
New Medicines and Diagnostics
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Blood Cells and Blood Cancer
Cancer Biology and Stem Cells
Personalised Oncology

How to apply

To apply, please submit:

A cover letter (include your scientific vision)
A response to the selection criteria
A CV

Join us in shaping the future of biomedical research and making a lasting impact on global health.

Interested in finding out more about senior opportunities at WEHI?

Express your interest today and become a key player in WEHI’s journey of scientific excellence.

Shape the future of science at WEHI

Are you a seasoned fundamental or clinician research scientist ready to lead innovative projects and mentor the next generation of scientists? WEHI invites you to join our team of distinguished researchers dedicated to advancing medical science and improving global health.

At WEHI, your expertise and vision will be at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs. Join us in our mission to transform health outcomes and leave a lasting legacy in the world of medical research.

To commence conversations, please email recruitment@wehi.edu.au.

Your email should effectively communicate your area of interest, qualifications, and suitability for the opportunity you’re pursuing.

Appointment information

Why join WEHI?

WEHI offers an exceptional environment for researchers to thrive, with state-of-the-art facilities, strong institutional support, and connections with healthcare and industry partners. As an independent institute, we are uniquely positioned to set our own scientific priorities, ensuring that research remains at the heart of everything we do.

Australia is an attractive destination as a democratic country with a growing and ethnically diverse population. Melbourne, as one of the world’s “most liveable” cities, is a great place for scientists and their families to live.

WEHI embraces diversity and actively supports inclusion, equity, and flexibility to enable our staff and students to reach their full potential. At WEHI, we believe that a collaborative and diverse research community leads to better science.

Celebrating our collaborative research culture

For more than 100 years our dedicated people and partners have worked tirelessly to make new discoveries, changing the way we diagnose, treat and cure disease.

About WEHI

Organisational structure

See how our departments and scientific divisions are structured to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Scientific divisions

WEHI houses 12 scientific divisions.

Notable scientists

Some of our most eminent alumni have profoundly changed the landscape of medical research.

News

Hear about our latest discoveries, programs and innovations.

Working at WEHI

As a leading medical research institute, we attract and retain the brightest minds globally. We value diversity, shown through our commitment to reconciliation, gender equity and supporting the LGBTIQA+ community.

Benefits

We are committed to providing an inclusive, safe and positive workplace for all staff and students.

Professor Phil Hodgkin and immunology team

Our Values

Our organisational values shape our culture

Two women scientists working in a laboratory

Women in science

We aim to maximise opportunities for research discoveries. To do this we must use our entire talent pool.

Staff and student diversity networks

WEHI has supported the establishment of employee-led diversity networks which have been found to be effective in providing support, increasing understanding, and enabling people to bring their whole selves to work.