Bioinformatics Research Officer / Senior Research Officer

An excellent opportunity is available for a Bioinformatics Research Officer / Senior Research Officer to work within the Advanced Genomics Facility on the analysis of spatial omics, Olink and single-cell data at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the position

WEHI is building on its reputation for excellence in advanced technologies with the development of a nationally leading centre for spatial omics and the acquisition of multiple new technologies in a highly collaborative and open framework. In conjunction with the Bioinformatics Division and many scientific collaborators, the Advanced Genomics Facility at WEHI comes to grips with data from many cutting-edge technologies, and ground-breaking projects, every day. In this role, you will share in the analysis of data from experiments in single-cell and spatial omics and additionally, studies using the Olink high-throughput affinity proteomics platform, applying rigorous principles and using the latest computational and statistical approaches. You will combine contributions to many diverse projects, taking on experimental design, trouble-shooting, and data evaluation in a close partnership with our laboratory team, with a more prominent role in developing methodologies or the detailed analysis of selected key projects in collaboration with wet-lab and dry-lab collaborators. The role is pivotal in building closer links between technology and analytical streams at WEHI and designed to suit someone keen to work in some of the most dynamic areas of bioscience, looking either to build on a recent Ph.D. by gaining a lot of experience quickly (RO) or who has substantial existing experience in computational data analysis but may wish to enter a new and dynamic field (SRO). This position could lead to either fully research-driven or staff-scientist career pathways.

Key responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Data analysis on a variety of fast-developing spatial omics technologies available at WEHI including 10x Visium, 10x Xenium, BGI STOmics, and Vizgen MERSCOPE.

• Leveraging and integrating the analysis of spatial omics data from different platforms and with other omics data types (e.g., single-cell RNA-sequencing).

• Implementing standard analysis pathways for Olink protein-profiling data.

• Investigating novel approaches to analysis of the above high-dimensional data types

• Collaborative analyses with wet-lab and clinical researchers.

• Communicating analysis results and methodologies to technical and non-technical researchers. 

• Developing statistical and computational methods to enable these analyses.

• Benchmarking of technologies and analysis methods to develop technology recommendations and best-practice data analysis workflows.

Selection Criteria

• PhD or equivalent in statistics/bioinformatics (or other relevant quantitative disciplines) with a strong interest in biological research. Research experience is advantageous.

• Demonstratable knowledge and experience in a data analysis programming language (e.g., R, Python). 

• Ability to work independently and in a multi-disciplinary team. 

• Effective time management skills and ability to work on several projects in parallel.  

• Strong communication skills, written and oral, and an ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical researchers. 

• A basic understanding of molecular biology and sequencing is highly desirable.

Terms of appointment

This position is available for an initial period of 2 years in a full-time or near-full-time capacity. Salary is RO ($97,152 - $104,281) or /SRO ($109,778 - $130,353). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries can be directed to:

Dr Peter Hickey (******@wehi.edu.au) and Professor Rory Bowden (********@wehi.edu.au).

Senior Research Officer position description is available here.

Research Officer position description is available here.