Location: Population Health & Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Closing date: Fri, 08/09/2017 - 5:00pm

Position description:

The position is a split appointment, with the successful applicant working 0.5FTE of the time on an NHMRC funded project grant about autism genomics (CIA Professor Ingrid Scheffer) and the other 0.5FTE on the joint analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data and transcriptomic data, but also with a focus on autism. Professor Melanie Bahlo will be the principal supervisor, with the successful applicant joining the Bahlo Laboratory.

The Bahlo laboratory has a long track record of developing analysis methods and software for genetic and transcriptomic data, in particular next generation sequencing data to identify the genetic causes of neurogenetic disorders. This postdoctoral position will combine genomic, transcriptomic and fMRI data to further understand autism in familial cohorts.

The appointee will undertake data processing and bioinformatics analyses of data generated by the autism research team. This includes next-generation sequencing data (whole exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing and RNA-seq data) and SNP chip data. The work is highly likely to lead to high-impact publications, to which the successful applicant is expected to contribute. The applicant will present the work at national and international conferences.

Applicants with a PhD in a relevant discipline are welcome to apply. Relevant disciplines include computer science, mathematics, statistics, computational biology or bioinformatics. Applicants need to have experience in the analysis of next generation sequencing data, both transcriptomic and genomic data, and demonstrate broad bioinformatics data analysis experience and an interest in learning about fMRI data analysis. The position requires high-level project-management skills, strong programming and data analysis skills (R, at least one of Python or Perl and strong unix skills) and, in particular, strong communication skills, to ensure excellent communication as the bioinformatician working within the autism research team, which includes clinicians and geneticists.

The Institute is highly supportive of women scientists. A new childcare facility will commence building in early 2017 with a proposed completion date of 2018. Attractive awards include a childcare fellowship (Craven and Shearer Award) and additional technical assistance (Page Betheras Award) during and after maternity leave. Mentoring programs and a strong postdoctoral association group contribute to an outstanding career opportunity for an ambitious postdoc.

The positions will be for 2 years in the first instance with a probation period of 6 months. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. Up to 17% superannuation and attractive salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries should be directed to Professor Melanie Bahlo.

A position description is available.

Written applications including cover letter, CV and the names of 3 professional referees should be emailed in PDF format to jobapplications@wehi.edu.au, quoting reference WEHI/CAMBSD in the subject line.

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 workforce and promote flexible working arrangements for staff to balance working requirements and personal needs.

Job link: https://www.wehi.edu.au/research-officer-autism-genomics-imaging-population-health-immunity-division