Computational Biologist

The Computational Biology group in Garvan’s Data Science Platform collaborates with researchers and clinicians across the institute Research Programs and beyond. The group applies and develops computational methods to analyse and interpret genomics, imaging and other complex biomedical data. We act as strategic partners, combining technical expertise with biological domain knowledge to tackle problems that address critical unmet medical needs.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a Computational Biologist to join our team. Successful candidates will work on genomics studies with experimental and clinical researchers across the Garvan Research Programs and with external collaborators. Example projects include single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, RNA-seq, whole-genome sequencing, circulating tumour DNA analysis. Successful candidates will contribute to all study stages, including design and planning, data analysis, interpretation and manuscript writing. This is a two year contract with possibility to extend. Salary is dependent on experience.

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:

• Analysis of high-throughput datasets, including quality control, unsupervised and supervised analyses, with emphasis on biological interpretation

• Preparing figures for publication, contributing to manuscript writing

• Experimental design and planning

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

• 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

• Contribute to training programs through designing and running workshops, mentoring, technical supervision, code reviews

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience include:

• PhD degree in a related area of science or engineering

• Good statistical knowledge and programming skills

• Good knowledge of biology

• 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 open to sponsorship for the right candidate.