Senior Research Scientist – Reproductive Biology & Fertility Preservation

• Full-time, fixed term Maternity Leave Cover until September 2026
• Parkville, Melbourne, with multiple public transport options available 
• $108,820 – $123,905 + salary packaging + super + 5 weeks annual leave 

From pioneering Australia’s first IVF birth in 1980 to improving survival rates for premature and critically ill newborns, the Women's has been transforming care for women and babies for generations.

Now, we’re looking for a Senior Research Scientist to join our dedicated team and lead groundbreaking work in ovarian and testicular tissue research — advancing techniques that could change the future of reproductive medicine.

This research will be delivered through our recently funded multi-year research initiative titled In Time, a national fertility preservation program which focuses on developing and refining ovarian and testicular tissue techniques. The program aims to provide future fertility options for children and young people undergoing gonadotoxic treatments. As the Senior Research Scientist, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering this pioneering body of work, supported by significant grant funding.

About the role

You’ll take the lead on innovative projects in:

• Ovarian tissue transport and in vitro maturation (IVM)
• Testicular tissue biology and grafting
• Artificial ovary systems and translational reproductive science

This is a hands-on, high-impact role where your expertise will directly influence both scientific discovery and real-world clinical outcomes.
Your leadership will:

• Drive strategic research direction and foster collaboration
• Oversee and mentor research staff
• Represent the Women’s in national initiatives for fertility preservation 

About you

You are a recognised leader in your field, with:

• A postdoctoral qualification in a relevant life science discipline (e.g. ovarian/testicular tissue biology, stem cell biology, IVM)
• Experience in reproductive biology or related fields
• A strong track record of publications and competitive research funding (NHMRC or equivalent)
• A genuine commitment to advancing reproductive science for future generations

Our benefits

At the Women’s you will enjoy a culture that is collaborative, supportive and passionate about learning.  We have a strong sense of purpose, and engage in meaningful work every day.  We offer our people a range of rewarding benefits, including:

• Up to $11,660 in salary packaging benefits, for living expenses, meals and holiday accommodation
• A suite of wellness initiatives designed to support you, including discounted financial, lifestyle and health options, and a comprehensive wellbeing program
• Public transport options at our doorstep and end of trip facilities for cyclists
• Onsite post office, eateries, retail stores and library services
• Mentoring, learning and career development opportunities
• Five weeks annual leave, monthly ADO’s and 17.5% leave loading

Inclusion and belonging

The Women’s celebrates, values and supports a diverse and inclusive environment which reflects our vibrant community.  We encourage applications from anyone identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.  We also welcome anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, linguistically, culturally and/or gender diverse, people with disability, and people of any age to apply for our roles. We are committed to gender equity principles, and our people have an awareness of and sensitive approach to violence against women and family violence matters.  We are proudly Breastfeeding Association accredited.

Join us!

If you feel this role is right for you we warmly invite you to apply, and encourage your early application.  All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a valid Working with Children Check.  Clinical staff are required to be vaccinated against, or demonstrate immunity to, COVID-19, influenza, and a range of other diseases. 

Should you need assistance or require any adjustments or accommodations to fully participate in the application or interview process, or if you require an accessible copy of the position description, you are most welcome to reach out to the contact person listed.  We acknowledge that not all applicants will meet the full list of selection criteria outlined, and wherever possible we will consider applications where relevant experience can apply.

For more information, please view the Position Description for this role.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Michael Chan on (03) 8345 3200 or Michael.Chan@thewomens.org.au

Application closing date: 25 February 2026

Apply now and help us shape the future of fertility preservation.