Julia Gillard takes job with UK medical charity funding coronavirus vaccines

The charity has an investment portfolio worth more than $50 billion that has funded biomedical research into pandemics including COVID-19, Ebola and Zika.

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard has accepted a new role with a medical research charity. Source: AAP

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard has accepted a new role as the chair of Wellcome, a UK-based medical research charity currently investing in coronavirus vaccine development.

Ms Gillard, who served as Prime Minister from 2010 until 2013, is set to start in her new job in April next year.

She said the role was a "dream come true".

"I will relish supporting and speaking up for scientific research into key health challenges," Ms Gillard said.

"I know that I will have big shoes to fill."

Ms Gillard says she will balance the new role with her work for Beyond Blue. Source: AAP

Established in 1936, Wellcome has a more than $50 billion investment portfolio that funds biomedical research, including the development of COVID-19 vaccines. 

The charity has previously funded vaccines for Ebola, research around the Zika virus and safety training for frontline healthcare workers. 

Ms Gillard has said she will remain in her current role as the chair of mental health organisation Beyond Blue when she takes up her new post.