Computational Scientist – Machine Learning

The Computational Biology group in the Garvan Data Science Platform collaborates with researchers and clinicians across Garvan Research Programs and beyond. We act as strategic partners, combining technical expertise with biological domain knowledge to analyse and interpret complex data.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a Computational Scientist with image analysis expertise and experience in AI and Machine Learning methods to work closely with scientists from Garvan Research Programs and the Garvan ACRF INCITe Centre. This role will focus on developing robust, scalable software solutions for analysing complex biological data, with a particular emphasis on imaging and omics datasets. Successful candidates will develop and apply AI and Machine Learning models for life science data, such as intravital microscopy, histopathology, spatial transcriptomics or proteomics, antibody protein sequences. This is a 2 year contract with possibility to extend.

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

Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with researchers to translate scientific requirements into technical specifications

• Developing and optimising AI/ML algorithms for various types of life science data, including image data from intravital microscopy, histopathology, spatial transcriptomics or proteomics, and antibody protein sequences

• Developing user-friendly interfaces, software and tools for scientists to analyse and visualise complex datasets using languages such as Python, R, JavaScript, Julia, MATLAB or C++

• Supporting the publication process by preparing high-quality figures, data visualizations, and supplementary materials for scientific manuscripts

• Implementing best practices for data analysis through evaluation/benchmarking of existing methods and/or original method development

• Staying up to date with the latest advancements in AI/ML and computational biology, as well as building and maintaining biological domain expertise

• Creating and maintaining modular and reusable workflows through use of version control systems, container and workflow management technologies where applicable.

• Contributing to internal education programs through designing and running workshops, mentoring, technical supervision, code reviews

ABOUT YOU

Key skills and experience include:

• Master’s or PhD degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field

• Image analysis expertise essential, experience with scientific image analysis software tools, such as ImageJ/Fiji, Imaris, Ilastik, Cellprofiler, and QuPath, is advantageous

• Extensive hands-on experience with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch and TensorFlow) and image processing libraries (e.g., OpenCV and Scikit-Image), including practical application and development of these tools for complex data analysis and real-world problem-solving

• Good foundation in statistics and machine learning, with in-depth knowledge of statistical inference and modern ML techniques (e.g., deep convolutional neural networks, transformers, self-supervised learning and generative models)

• Strong programming skills in Python, with experience in additional languages (e.g., R, JavaScript, Julia, MATLAB or C++)

• Proficiency in software development best practices (version control, unit testing, code review)

• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)

• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment

• 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. 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.