An opportunity is available for a Research Officer to join Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

WEHI – Brighter together

WEHI is where the world’s brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.

WEHI is a place where people are able to shine. People who are inquisitive, who are committed, who are passionate. People who want to make a difference. And we are committed to ensuring they have the tools to flourish, personally and professionally.

We are a community of researchers, students and professional service staff who work towards achieving discoveries that improve human health. We are driven by collaboration, curiosity and creativity. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in Australia and around the world. We are WEHI. We are brighter together.

About the position

An exciting opportunity is available for a talented and motivated Research Officer to join the Bioinformatics Support Facility at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI). The Support Facility forms part of WEHI’s Bioinformatics Division, one of the largest bioinformatics research groups in Australia that has achieved a reputation for developing statistical and computational methodology that is applied worldwide.

The purpose of the Support Facility is to build and maintain a world-class core bioinformatics facility. It provides bioinformatic and statistical support to WEHI’s biological research groups, in addition to advancing research within the Institute. Its members offer and maintain a range of cutting-edge analytical tools, and strive to stay ahead of competencies and capabilities available at equivalent world-class facilities. They work together with the Bioinformatics Division laboratories and other facility heads across the Institute to exchange expertise, facilitate mentoring, and promote excellence in research.

The successful appointee will work with other members of the Support Facility, undertaking bioinformatic analyses of a wide variety of genomic data generated by WEHI’s research groups. The data analyses will particularly include next generation sequencing data designed to profile gene expression patterns, gene regulatory mechanisms, and DNA structure.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant discipline such as Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Physics, Genetics or Biology. They will also have strong computational and analytical skills. The level of appointment will depend on the candidate’s experience. A position description is available here.

Personal qualities

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that data, new methods and theories are accurate, of high-quality, and accessible to other researchers
• Exceptional management and communication skills, and the ability to work constructively in a highly collaborative, team environment
• Ability to manage time effectively and be reliable and approachable

Knowledge and skills

• A doctoral qualification (PhD) in a relevant discipline such as Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Physics, Genetics, Biology etc.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills. A good knowledge of R and Unix would be an advantage
• Excellent time management, writing and communication skills
• Either experience in bioinformatic analyses or a strong motivation to work on biomedical problems
• An excellent academic record and achievements
• Demonstrated ability and potential for excellence and productivity in research
• Research experience that has resulted in publications, conference papers or reports

Terms of appointment

The position will be for 2 years in a full time capacity. Salary is Academic Level A6-A8 ($90,053-$96,661). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries can be directed to Alexandra Garnham garnham.a@wehi.edu.au.

A position description is available.

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/DAAG050321 in the subject line.

Application closing date: 16 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.