Position title: Research Associate in Statistical Bioinformatics
Employer: University of Sydney
Closing date: 30th May 2023
Brief position description: Full time, 18 months fixed term. Located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Mathematics and Statistics
Opportunity to make valuable contributions to research in statistical bioinformatics and biomedical data science
Base Salary Level A, $79,784 p.a. - $107,516 p.a. + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
We are one of the largest mathematical sciences schools in Australia, and the University of Sydney is the only Australian university to have received the highest rating of 5 out of 5 for research in the mathematical sciences in every Australian Research Council Excellence in Research for Australia assessment to date. The University also hosts the Sydney Mathematical Research Institute (SMRI), which attracts leading mathematical scientists from all over the world to do research with Australian collaborators.
We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate to work on a project entitled ‘Multiscale data integration for single cell spatial genomics’. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Shila Ghazanfar on developing new statistical and algorithmic techniques to understand single cell spatial genomics data. This project has recently been funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Technological advances in measuring gene expression in a spatially resolved manner have resulted in several tour-de-force publicly available datasets, often accompanied by sample-matched dissociated single cell RNA-seq or single cell multi-omic measurements. However, many integrative data analysis tasks for spatial genomics are performed using tools designed with dissociated single cell RNA-seq data in mind, effectively ignoring the specific data structures of spatial genomics data. This project will develop new data science techniques for multiscale data integration of single cell spatial genomics, with applications in several collaborative contexts.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
undertake research in statistical bioinformatics for single cell spatial genomics
publish research papers
demonstrate research excellence
assist with grant writing and publishing original work
participate in research group meetings and other activities
formulate and refine statistical and computational methods for single cell spatial genomics data integration
develop software using the R language and contribute to Bioconductor.
The School of Mathematics and Statistics of the University of Sydney is one of the largest in Australia. It has more than 89 academic staff to supervise research and teaching 74 postgraduate students and 925 equivalent full-time student-load undergraduate students.
About you
The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Research Associate who has:
demonstrated ability to conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision
the ability and a willingness to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to contribute to long-term research goals
a strong track record of publishing their research
research strengths in state-of-the-art high dimensional analysis of complex data
superior computer programming or software development skills in R or similar
excellent communication (written and verbal), organisational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
a high level of interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
a demonstrated ability to complete work in timely fashion and to write up results for publication
a PhD (or near completion) in bioinformatics, data science, computer science, computational biology or an equivalent combination of training and experience is highly desirable.
To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.
Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
Contact name: Simon Drew
Contact email: recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au