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Careers

Burnet brings together a highly diverse skill base, with more than 600 staff and students working across cutting-edge research and projects to address some of the most relevant global health issues.  

Join our team of talented individuals who are passionate about what they do – working towards a more equitable world through better health.

Why work at Burnet?

At Burnet, we believe a better world depends on greater health equity. We are committed to creating and translating knowledge into better health, so no one is left behind. 

Working at Burnet, you will be part of a collaborative, inclusive culture. One where individuals are encouraged to develop and grow. 

You will work alongside internationally recognised experts and make a real impact towards increasing health equity and wellbeing for all.

For student opportunities, see Study at Burnet.

Staff benefits

We want to ensure our staff enjoy a working environment that fulfils both their personal and professional needs. Staff can access a range of benefits from salary packaging to counselling services to training and development opportunities.

You will be able to package up to AUD$15,900 for general living expenses. This means part of your annual salary can be taken as a tax-free benefit, giving you a higher take home pay. Further tax savings can be made by salary packaging meals and entertainment, accommodation and venue hire. For further information visit the Smart website.

We understand that juggling family/home responsibilities and work can be challenging. Our staff can negotiate with their managers to have greater flexibility in their working hours. This includes flexible start and finish times, purchasing leave, and part-time opportunities.

We believe in a continuous learning and upskilling environment for all our staff. 

Training is important to opening up new career opportunities, but it is also key to ensuring work is challenging and satisfying. Some of our training opportunities include: 

  • conference attendance 
  • institute-wide seminars in life sciences, public health and international development research 
  • internal and external training programs 
  • online training covering topics such as health and safety, equal opportunity, bullying and social media. 

At Burnet, we want to support employees managing professional and parental duties. That’s why we offer 14 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible staff, in addition to the Government Paid Parental Leave Scheme. 

Our parental leave policy also includes the following: 

  • No qualifying period in order to be eligible to take parental leave. 
  • No distinction between primary & secondary carers. Either carer is entitled to the full amount of parental leave. 
  • Employer superannuation contribution paid on both the paid and unpaid components of the leave. 

We want to recognise the contribution and commitment of our long-term employees. That's why we provide additional long service leave of 17.3 weeks (the minimum requirement is 8.67) at 10 years of service.

We take career development seriously and we want to support our staff to upskill and enhance their learning. We provide up to 5 days of study leave per semester and 4 days of examination leave per annum for eligible staff members.

Burnet aims to provide workplace benefits that add value and support to your life, both in and out of the workplace. This program is a free, confidential counselling service for all staff and their immediate family members. EAP counselling may assist in clarifying a problem, identifying options and developing plans to approach difficult issues. Counselling can take place on the phone, face-to-face or online.

Our Melbourne office is located in a great area, a 10-minute walk from Prahran Market and Prahran train station, and a 15-minute walk to Chapel Street. We are also just across the road from Fawkner Park, which has 40 hectares of beautifully maintained open green space and walking paths.

What our people say

“Burnet is the best organisation I have ever worked at! It is completely authentic, compassionate, driven, inclusive, and is a leader in its field of work. We are led by an incredible CEO and it's great being part of a friendly, inclusive, and flexible workplace culture which is reflected in the long tenures of our staff. I hope to keep working at Burnet until I retire!”

Chrissie Collins

Executive Assistant

Burnet Institute

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Reducing the gender pay gap

In 2023-4, we reduced our median total remuneration gender pay gap to 2%. The average pay gap for Australian medical research institutes was 9.7% in 2023-4

Burnet has an Athena SWAN Bronze Award for our commitment to advancing gender equity and promoting greater inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) disciplines.

Contact us

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