An opportunity is available for a Research Assistant to join the Projects Team, Genomics Lab at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the position

The WEHI Genomics Lab, situated within the Institute’s Advanced Technology and Biology Division, supports high-throughput sequencing and advanced genomics technologies for WEHI Labs and other partners under a highly collaborative model, providing services and project and technology management and introducing new applications and platforms in collaboration with WEHI scientists.

In 2021, WEHI is launching an ambitious expansion of its genomics capability under a 5-year strategy to better serve and drive the Institute’s mission to discover new medicines. Our new Genomics Strategy provides for substantial investment in lab space, technology, information management and R&D, and will enable WEHI Genomics to engage with an unprecedented number of scientific Labs and projects. The new Strategy includes plans to expand and broaden our ability to deliver genomics projects for collaborating partners, across transcriptomics, spatial and single-cell genomics, precision medicine and cohort-based research.

The successful candidate will be expert in molecular biology, sequencing and/or genomics. They will assist in running projects to prepare samples for analysis on our range of sequencing and genomics platforms, currently including Illumina NextSeq and MiSeq, MGI, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio alongside 10X Chromium, Mission Bio Tapestri and laboratory automation platform(s). The post-holder will be committed to collaborative working within the Lab and across the Institute, with opportunities to contribute to WEHI discoveries by providing exceptional quality and support.

Key responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintaining and operating sequencing and genomics technologies under the leadership of a senior member of staff.
• Acquiring and maintaining a high level of expertise in relevant technologies and genomics applications, in order to train and advise users.
• Leading in expertise on behalf of the Laboratory for a subset of technologies.
• Supervising and training visitors to the Laboratory in the operation of technology platforms and preparation of samples.
• Routine processing and testing of samples for genomics applications, including library production, purifications, sample extractions, qPCR and QC procedures.
• Operation of Laboratory record-keeping systems, including Electronic Lab Notebooks and WEHI intranet.
• Management of sample data using standard tools available in the Laboratory, to an exceptional standard.
• Participation in educational programs to disseminate technical information and train users.
• Supervisory and safety responsibilities for areas of the Genomics Lab in the absence of senior staff.
• Maintaining positive relationships with the genomics user community

Selection Criteria

• BSc or close equivalent in molecular biology, (bio)chemistry, genomics, cell biology or a related field.
• Clearly demonstrable knowledge and practical expertise in laboratory molecular biology and genomics, especially high-throughput assays, next-generation  sequencing, functional genomics and preparation of diverse sample types.
• Clearly demonstrable interest and aptitude in genomics technologies and applications, including introducing new techniques and technologies, maintaining and running existing platforms and providing troubleshooting and expert practical advice.
• The demonstrated ability to work across multiple parallel projects or technologies completing diverse tasks relevant to the role.
• Clearly demonstrable ability to complete a variety of routine tasks (such as sample extraction, PCR and sequencing library workflows) efficiently and to a high degree of accuracy and reliability.
• A high level of record-keeping ability, especially using Electronic Lab Notebooks and specialised systems related to particular tasks.
• Desirable attributes include further qualifications in relevant areas, expertise in laboratory technologies related to genomics (including next-generation sequencing), familiarity with scientific computer systems and expertise or experience in laboratory automation.

Terms of appointment

This position is available for 1 year in a full-time capacity, subject to renewal with the possibility of flexible or part-time hours by agreement. Salary is HEW 5-6 ($70,971-$89,108. Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries can be directed to Dr Daniela Zalcenstein zalcenstein.d@wehi.edu.au

A position description is available here.

How to apply

Please email your application including cover letter, CV and a letter addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format to jobapplications@wehi.edu.au, quoting reference WEHI/ANDZ010421 in the subject line.

Application closing date: 29 April 2021

Institute Life

At the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute we strive to ensure our staff and students enjoy a great working environment. We value diversity and gender equity in our work force and promote flexible working arrangements for staff to balance working requirements and personal needs. We have implemented a number of gender equity initiatives to support women laboratory heads.