Position title: Senior Scientist - Next Generation Sequencing

Employer: Garvan Institute of Medical Research

Closing date: 12/12/2021

Brief position description: The Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Garvan/Institute) is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes, with over 700 scientists, students and support staff. Its mission is to make significant contributions to medical research that will change the directions of science and medicine and have major impacts on human health. Garvan’s research encompasses bone biology, cancer, diabetes and metabolism, genomics and epigenetics, immunology, and neuroscience. These research activities are organised within four encompassing Research Themes: Cancer, Genomics & Epigenetics, Healthy Ageing, Immunity & Inflammation, and three major Centres: the Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, the Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, and the Centre for Population Genomics.

KCCG Sequencing Laboratory (KCCGSL) assists realising this mission by providing accredited molecular genetics and genomic sequencing services to medical researchers utilising state-of-the-art sequencing & bioinformatics technologies, supported by industry-leading laboratory automation and high performance computing infrastructure.

The Opportunity
The KCCGSL senior scientist (NGS) will lead the continuous improvement of the laboratory through process review, improvement identification, stakeholder engagement as well as project design, planning and implementation. We are seeking an experienced NGS scientist that is a creative and proactive problem solver with excellent communication and project management skills. The successful candidate is expected to take on a leadership role within the laboratory, utilising their experience and expertise across multiple functions to enable the laboratory to meet its strategic goals.

This is a 2 year fixed-term fulltime position with a base salary between $93,298 and $105,578 (depending on experience) plus 10% superannuation, salary packaging benefits and flexible working arrangements.

Culture
The more these values sound like you, and describe the people you want to work with, the more likely you will thrive as a Garvanite:
• Innovative - We are curious, deep thinkers who challenge established ideas and prevailing assumptions – unafraid to do things differently.
• Inspire Excellence - We have the very highest standards – relentlessly pursuing excellence through continuous improvement
• Be Collaborative - We seek out diversity of thought in pursuit of the best possible outcome – valuing insights from across Garvan and beyond
• Act with Integrity - We do the right thing – acting ethically and respectfully, communicating openly, valuing diversity and embracing all perspectives.
• Be Brave - We take calculated risks and pursue brave choices – doing the hard things every day, to achieve the extraordinary

Key Responsibilities
The position will be responsible for the following activities:
• Work closely with the Laboratory Manager, Principal Scientist, Head of Research & Development, Project Manager and other team members to ensure timely and effective prioritisation of sequencing projects.
• Lead continuous improvement projects in the lab including but not limited to development of new QC procedures, introduction of new equipment or methods and LIMS workflow management.
• Participate and co-ordinate investigations to troubleshoot existing methods and processes as required within the sequencing lab and work cross functionally with the bioinformatics team to achieve a resolution.
• Design and manage experiments, independently interpret and report results.
• Manage and co-ordinate technical enquiries including project scoping for internal and external researchers.
• Actively participate in the training and mentorship of junior staff.
• Other duties as delegated

Snap shot of benefits
• Generous salary packaging ($15,900 for general household expenses and $2,650 for meal/entertainment allowance on top of base salary)
• On going training and development
• Flexible work arrangements
• 18 weeks paid parental leave
• Additional day’s leave as Garvan Day
• Discounted Health Insurance
• Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

About You
The key skills and experience include:
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or Genetics
• 3+ years of experience in utilising Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies. Familiarity with illumina technology will be highly regarded.
• 2+ years of leadership experience preferred
• Experience in the maintenance of quality management systems in a regulated (ISO) environment
• Demonstrated experience in the implementation of new workflow processes such as laboratory information management systems (LIMS), automated liquid handling procedures and new equipment
• Demonstrated experience in project management and coordinating a team
• Proven ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve complex issues
• Proven ability to handle a range of technical enquiries from diverse applications
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and to plan and progress work activities to strict deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal literacy skills to prepare and present various reports

How to Apply
To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.

Job website: https://garvan.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/garvan_institute/job/Sydney/Senior-Applications-Scientist_PRF6084-1

Contact name: Talent Team

Contact email: talent@garvan.org.au