Research Officer - Translational Genomics

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading researchers and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to improve human health. Our mission is to harness all the information encoded in our genome to better diagnose, treat, predict and prevent disease. From the individual patient with rare disease, to the many thousands affected by complex, widespread illness, we are pioneering discoveries across diseases that have the deepest impact on our community.    

THE OPPORTUNITY

We seek a talented research officer to join the Neavin team within the Translational Genomics Program. The project focuses on understanding the impact of biological variation on molecular phenotypes like gene expression and chromatin accessibility at the level of individual cells. The successful candidate will work with Dr Drew Neavin to use >13,000 single cell samples to explore how technical and biological variables contribute to variation in single cell molecular phenotypes. These include genetic effects as well as impacts of genetic ancestry, sex and disease. The ultimate goal of this research is to provide understanding of human biology and contributors to interindividual variation in disease and health.

Salary: $92,300 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 2 year term 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

The incumbent research officer will work with Dr Neavin across the following areas:

• Resolving genetic mechanisms of complex human disease by applying single-cell and statistical genetics methods.

• Leading aspects of the project

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

• Presenting results in internal meetings and conferences

• Contributing to scientific manuscripts

• Collaborating with other group members and as part of national and international consortia

• Record-keeping and administrative aspects that underlie scientific research in discussion with group members and development of timelines.

• Attending, discussing and reviewing current and future techniques within the institute

ABOUT YOU

A strong background in computational genomics, bioinformatics or data science is preferred. Highly motivated individuals with a strong attention to detail, multi-tasking skills, and a willingness to learn new technologies are also encouraged to apply.

Essential criteria

• A PhD in a relevant field such as bioinformatics, computer science, biology, statistics or other relevant areas.

• High proficiency in programming and scripting languages (e.g. Python, R).

• Experience with Unix and HPC environments

• Experience in managing large datasets in an HPC environment

• Demonstrated experience using version control for code development and curation

• An interest in genetics, and cellular biology

• Excellent problem-solving skills

• Good communication skills and strong in teamwork and collaborative research

• Excellent project management and organisation skills.

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Desirable criteria

• Proficiency with C/C++, Java and/or Perl scripting languages

• Experience and expertise in ML/AI algorithms for analysis of genomic data.

• Good knowledge of statistics and presentation of molecular/clinical data.

• Experience in analysing and interpreting large genomic data sets (WGS, RNA-Seq, scRNA-Seq).

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.