Computational Biologist

Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading scientists and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to advance our understanding of disease, particularly cancer, autoimmunity and genetic disorders. Garvan is a global leader in fundamental biomedical research and its translation. Our mission is to make discoveries that will improve health for all.

Building on our scientific strengths in genomics, cancer and immunology, enabled by cutting-edge technology and world-class facilities, and the support of our passionate Garvan family, our researchers and professional staff, we will drive more of our discoveries to clinical and societal impact.

At Garvan, we see a future where all diseases can be prevented, treated or cured. Everyone is touched by disease. Our discoveries today will lead to better health tomorrow.

The Clark Lab is interested in the molecular processes involved in epigenetic reprogramming and how these processes are altered in cancer, in particular breast and prostate cancers. The group applies and develops computational methods to better understand cancer development and progression.  We take a collaborative approach, working closely with experimental and clinical researchers to tackle problems that address critical unmet medical needs.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for an experienced Computational Biologist to join our team.  Successful candidates will have three roles.

1) Conduct research that seeks to identify the epigenetic, genetic  and  molecular processes in cancer. Specifically, this position will be responsible for the analysis and integration of epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic datasets, including single cell transcriptomic and epigenomic data from experimental cell line and clinical samples.

2) Train PhD and postdoctoral fellows in computational and bioinformatic methods and technologies and assisting them with their analyses as needed.

3) Develop and implement strategies for data storage,  processing and management across the Clark Laboratory.

Salary: From $99,000 to up to $108,900 + 14% superannuation + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 2 year fixed term contract

SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS

• Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)

• Ample opportunities for on-going training and development

• Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment

• Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times

• 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation

• A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave

• Discounted Health Insurance

• Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The key responsibilities include:

• Act as data manager and computational head for the Epigenetics Lab

• Conduct leading-edge informatic and statistical analyses of epigenomic and genomic sequencing datasets (genome-wide and single cell), including DNA methylation, chromatin (ChIP-seq and CUT & RUN), ATAC-seq, 3D structure (HIC) and RNA.

• Perform integrative and or machine learning analyses of multi-omic and temporal data sets

• Design of primers and perform analyses of high through put CRISPR screens.

• Developing best practices for computational workflows through evaluation/benchmarking of existing methods and/or original method development

• Staying informed on advances in computational methods, genomics, as well as building and maintaining biological domain expertise

Research Excellence

• Successfully complete collaborative research projects in an efficient and timely manner and have the outcomes of these projects published in leading scientific journals.

• Accelerate and streamline research progress by training research staff within the Epigenetic Lab in bioinformatics and computational biology, including code reviews

• Creating and maintaining modular and reusable workflows through use of container and workflow management technologies

Team Effort

• To achieve work priorities for the Epigenetics Research Lab and  participate  with  other researchers in reviewing progress against overall goals and collaborative effectiveness.

• To help supervise the activity of more junior staff including undergraduate scholars.

• To provide data for the preparation of publications and  submit  research  proposal submissions to external funding bodies

Institute Contributions

• To routinely attend group, program and institutional seminars.

• To interact productively (where appropriate) within and across programs and platforms, lead constructive discussion at the Garvan's seminar program and be seen as a person whom more junior staff can approach for technical advice.

• To  assist  in  raising  the  profile  of  the  Garvan  by  becoming  aware  of  and  developing contacts in his/her research area nationally.

• To make some productive contribution to the Garvan's organisation and management.

• All staff are required to comply with Garvan’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy and work in accordance with the WHS management system at all times

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience required include:
 

• PhD  degree  in  a  related  area  of  science,  bioinformatics,  statistics  or  computational engineering

• Good statistical knowledge and programming skills

• Good knowledge of biology

• Previous experience desirable  in  analysis  and  integration  of  epigenomic  sequencing datasets, including DNA, methylome, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq/CUT&RUN, HIC and single cell epigenome sequencing.

• Previous experience analysing  and  interpreting  genomics  data,  such  as  single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, RNA-seq, whole-genome sequencing

• Publications commensurate with experience

• Comfortable working with Unix and in an HPC environment

• Proficient in at least one scripting language (R, Python)

• Familiar with version control systems

• Experience with software containers, workflow management systems, databases, cloud computing

• Highly developed written and verbal communications skills

• Attention to detail

ABOUT GARVAN

Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s.

Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.

We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.

Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.