AddressAn excellent opportunity is available for an AI Research Fellow in Drug Discovery to join the Chemical Biology/National Drug Discovery Centre at Australia's pre-eminent biomedical research institute.
About the Position
Recognising the emerging importance of artificial intelligence and machine learning in biomedical research and translation, WEHI is investing strongly and is creating multiple new AI Research Fellow positions.
This position will be based in the National Drug Discovery Centre, headed by Dr Jeff Mitchell, within the New Medicines and Advanced Technologies Theme, with strong connections with the Computational Biology Theme headed by Prof Tony Papenfuss. It will involve developing and applying artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques to analyse structure activity information and design novel bioactive small molecules across several therapeutic areas of interest at WEHI (including infectious disease, inflammatory conditions and cancer). This position will integrate into existing and future Drug Discovery teams, contributing to shortening the design/synthesis cycle inherent to Drug Discovery campaigns. There will be an opportunity for methods development.
The successful candidate will join an interactive team of Drug Discovery scientists (screening biologists, medicinal chemists and discovery biologists), as well as work with world-class computational scientists in a supportive and flexible working environment. They will work alongside other AI and machine learning experts as part of a broader AI research community developing at WEHI. The research is well-supported by state-of-the-art computing facilities and engineering expertise.
The successful candidate will have a PhD in a quantitative discipline such as Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Mathematics, Statistics or Physics, together with expertise in artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques applied to Drug Discovery, preferably in the area of drug design.
The level of appointment will be in the Research Officer or Senior Research Officer band, depending on the candidate's experience. The position is available for a period of 3 years in the first instance with the possibility of renewal. Up to 17% superannuation and attractive salary packaging options are available.
Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:
- Expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and, ideally Drug Discovery
- Experience with drug design and analysis of large screening data sets
- Experience applying artificial intelligence and/or machine learning techniques to chemical structures and protein structure and biological data
- Strong data analysis skills using Unix and languages such as Python or R
- High-level data management skills
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
Personal Qualities:
- A PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics or Physics demonstrated through publications or a thesis
- A collegial approach and interest in collaboration
- Good time management skills
- Excellent skills in engaging with and managing collaborators and stakeholders
Terms of Appointment
This position is for a period of 3 years in a full time capacity. Salary is Research Employee Level A-B ($97,152 - $130,353). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.
General enquiries can be directed to Professor Guillaume Lessene (*******@wehi.edu.au) or Professor Tony Papenfuss (*********@wehi.edu.au)
A Research Officer position description is available here.
A Senior Research Officer position description is available here.
How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.
Application Closing Date: 27 June 2024.
WEHI - Brighter together
WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.
WEHI is a place where people are able to shine. People who are inquisitive, who are committed, who are passionate. People who want to make a difference. And we are committed to ensuring they have the tools to flourish, personally and professionally. We are a community of researchers, students and professional service staff who work towards achieving discoveries that improve human health. We are driven by collaboration, curiosity and creativity. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in Australia and around the world. We are WEHI. We are brighter together.
WEHI's commitment to diversity and inclusion
At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.
Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.
WEHI's commitment to Indigenous employment
WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.
