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Salary- Brisbane Based
- World Class research facilities
- Skin cancer genetics
About QIMR Berghofer:
QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Mental Health and Neuroscience, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and non-research staff.
About The Statistical Genetics laboratory:
The Statistical Genetics laboratory at QIMR Berghofer comprises staff and students working on statistical methods development and on applications to data.
The Statistical Genetics group develops and applies statistical methods to gene mapping studies across a wide range of traits and diseases. A major interest is skin cancer, with work ongoing to identify the specific genes involved in skin cancers and their underlying risk factors.
Role Purpose / Responsibilities:
Skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, represent a large burden on the health and wellbeing of Australians. Skin cancers have a large genetic component, and advancing our understanding of disease aetiology will improve screening and lead to development of better therapies.
We have shown recently that genetics based risk prediction approaches can be effective in identifying individuals at high risk of skin cancers. We have custody of very large-scale genetic data sets, with further data collection underway.
Your role will centre on developing and applying statistical and computational approaches to interrogate large-scale datasets to determine the genes and pathways underlying skin cancer. A major focus will be the development and application of genetic risk scores. There is considerable interest in using genetic risk scores across a wide range of complex diseases. The potential for near term impact is greatest for diseases which have a large genetic component and where interventions exist to reduce risk.
The project will involve developing a tool that will predict an individual’s risk of skin cancer using genetic results and other risk factor information. We will then pilot how this tool might help allow individuals to determine the level of surveillance they may need for better early detection of skin cancer and get better-tailored sun safe information.
Additionally, there is also scope within the role to contribute to a range of statistical genetic projects across a range of complex traits. You will also be supported in the development of independently driven research objectives and you may assist with student supervision.
About You:
The post is ideally suited to someone with a PhD in genetic epidemiology, epidemiology, statistics or bioinformatics. Experience in the analysis/manipulation of large datasets and a good knowledge of computing is required. Preference will be given to applicants with a good publication record relative to opportunity. Experience in software development advantageous but not essential. Experience in skin cancer disease genetics advantageous but not essential. Applicants without formal training in statistics must be able to demonstrate some knowledge of statistics. For statistical applicants, some knowledge of genetics is desirable.
To submit an application: use the APPLY button. In your application please;
- Describe your research interests
- Indicate your level of competence in statistics, in computing/programming and in biology/genetics
- Include details of 3 academic referees
Remuneration: Salary range is $92,403 to $99,142 p.a. plus superannuation and salary packaging benefits. This is a full-time 2-year position. Successful applicants who have submitted but not been conferred their PhD will begin on lower salary scale until PhD is conferred.
For further information: Contact Associate Professor Matthew H Law on ***********@qimrberghofer.edu.au
Further information about A/Prof Law can be found here https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/people/matthew-h-law/ and the laboratory and can be viewed at http://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/lab/statistical-genetics/
Closing Date: 17 April 2024
What we offer:
- Salary Packaging
- State of the art facilities
- Stimulating work setting focussed on cutting edge medical research
- Supportive/collaborative team environment
- Parental Leave Provisions
