Bioinformatician/Computational Biologist

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 diagnose better, treat, predict and prevent disease. From individual patients with rare diseases to the many thousands affected by complex, widespread illnesses, we are pioneering discoveries across diseases that have the deepest impact on our community.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We seek a bioinformatician to join the Powell Lab: Translational Genomics Program. The program focuses on understanding the impact of human genetic variation on diseases at the level of individual cells and using this information to develop a translational impact on human health. We have developed globally leading single-cell and genomic data cohorts to achieve this in multiple cell systems (immune, stem cells, lung, and cancers). By analysing this data, in conjunction with other experimental validation, we develop companion tests to inform therapy-choice and, excitingly, identify cell-specific novel therapeutic targets.
Salary: From $81,300 - $99,000 + 14% Super + Salary packaging (depending on experience)
Employment Type: Full time 2-year 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 incumbent bioinformatician will work with members of research teams to support computational research activities across the following areas:
Bioinformatics
Developing, running and maintaining single-cell analysis pipelines
Curating and managing high-throughput genomic data and patient medical records
Providing computational support to other researchers
Developing computational methods for statistical genetics and single-cell ‘omics research
Computational biology
Resolving the genetic mechanisms of complex human disease in stem cell models by applying single-cell transcriptomics and statistical genetics methods.
Application of ML/AI algorithms and software to large-scale genomic data
Analysing data generated within the group, by collaborators or in the public domain to answer research questions
Providing research support to other researchers
Additional responsibilities include:
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
In addition to supporting the research activities of other group members, opportunities will be made available to pursue and publish leading research.
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
An honours degree or higher qualification in a relevant field such as bioinformatics, computer science, biology, statistics or other relevant areas, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
High proficiency in programming and scripting languages (e.g. C/C++, Java, Perl, Python).
Experience with Unix and HPC environments
Demonstrated experience using version control for code development and curation.
An interest in genetics, cancer, immunology 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
Experience in managing large datasets in an HPC environment.
Experience and expertise in ML/AI algorithms for analysis of genomic data.
Advanced user of the R programming language and R-based statistical packages and tools, such as those available from the Bioconductor project for high throughput genomic data analysis.
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
The 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.