AddressAn excellent opportunity is available for a Research Officer (Gene Regulation and Genomics) in the Epigenetics and Development Division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.
About the position
There is an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated researcher with expertise in Gene Regulation or human immunology to join the laboratory of Dr Hamish King in the Epigenetics and Development Division at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.
The King lab studies how defects in the epigenetic control of gene expression are involved in human disease, with a particular interest in B cells and the immune system. The lab is building upon recent single-cell transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of the human immune system (King et al. 2021a Science Immunology eabe6291, King et al. 2021b Science Immunology eabh3768) which identified transcription factors, chromatin-associated proteins and gene regulatory elements involved in dynamic immune cell states and diverse immune diseases. To investigate these gene regulatory mechanisms, we take an interdisciplinary approach and leverage biochemistry, functional and single-cell genomics, immunology, and bioinformatics to make fundamental discoveries about Gene Regulation in health and disease.
This position will focus on the application of functional genomic screens in primary human immune cells to dissect basic principles of non-coding Gene Regulation in immune-mediated diseases like autoimmunity and immunodeficiency. There will be the opportunity to implement/develop experience in both experimental and computational aspects of cutting-edge genomics techniques such as single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to leverage our existing genomics resources and other unpublished observations to direct their research focus according to their specific interests and expertise.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative and highly supportive research team that is part of a dynamic research department. They will benefit from an extensive network of local and international collaborators, including biochemists, immunologists, bioinformaticians, and clinician scientists. They will be encouraged to develop new research directions that complement existing themes within the lab and will have the opportunity to establish and contribute to collaborative research projects and gain supervision experience.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should possess a PhD (or be near completion of a PhD) in molecular biology, Gene Regulation and/or genomics, and have a strong track record and understanding of mechanisms of Gene Regulation, such as enhancer biology, transcription factors, chromatin-modifying complexes, and/or epigenetic modifications.
This role requires experimental expertise in functional genomics assays (e.g. ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq) and/or CRISPR/Cas9 (epi)genomic editing strategies. Experience with viral transductions, flow cytometry and bioinformatics are highly desired, but not essential. This position will suit an enthusiastic and motivated individual with an independent work ethic, proven project management experience and a collaborative mindset. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required, including the ability to write for publication and presentation of research at conferences.
Terms of appointment
This position is available for three years in a full-time capacity, with the possibility of renewal based on performance. Candidates interested in 0.6 or 0.8 part time are also encouraged to apply. Please mention if this is relevant to your application in your cover letter.
Salary for the Research Officer role is Research Employee REA 6-8 ($97,152 - $104,281)subject to experience level. Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.
General enquiries are encouraged and can be directed to Hamish King.
How to apply
Please apply via the WEHI careers page by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.
https://www.wehi.edu.au/careers/
Application closing date: 1 March 2024.
