Research Associate (computational Genomics)

Fixed Term (3 years), Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

Classification ACLEA | $70,000 – $94,000 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions

Salary Packaging opportunities

Ref: JR100581

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, and people of CaLD background to apply for this important position.

About Us

The Food Futures Institute is one of Murdoch University’s research institutes and works to provide solutions on the sustainable use of limited land and water resources to improve food, forestry, and fibre production economically and ethically.

Working within the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, and the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, you will collaborate with industry partners and academic research staff and provide research on major broadacre and horticultural crops to improve yield, quality and enhance tolerance and protection from biological and environmental stresses.

The Role

The position aims to design and implement a range of bioinformatic tools and pipeline towards assembling genomes, developing variation maps, and developing sequencing and phenotyping databases. This role will lead and contribute to de novo genome assembly, gene prediction, gene annotation, comparative genome analysis and populations genomics.

Further, you will be responsible for developing SQL databases and writing scripts for data analysis; developing and reviewing genome analytical bioinformatics tools and pipelines; authoring peer-reviewed journal articles, progress reports, creating presentations; all whilst supporting Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students, and working collaboratively as part of a large team involving government and industry partners. 

What you’ll bring to this role

A post-graduate tertiary qualification (Masters degree), with three years’ experience or a doctoral degree (PhD) in bioinformatics, computational biology, life science or other relevant field of study

Experience in genome analysis, development of bioinformatic tools, pipelines and databases.

Experience in authoring research articles and the presentation of results before the scientific community.

Proficient in a minimum of one programming and scripting language (Python, Perl, R, or Shell).

Demonstrated capacity to generate research funding either independently or within a research team.

Experience in supervision of honours, postgraduate, and HDR students.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applicants must have valid work rights.

What you’ll get in return

You will be part of a vibrant and talented team, work in an innovative and lively university community and enjoy the benefits that come with working at Murdoch.

Our people enjoy a lively, natural campus and world-class facilities, as well as a range of benefits including:

Competitive remuneration

Paid leave entitlements

Flexible work arrangements

Salary packaging options

Employee Assistance Program

On Campus Services and Facilities, including a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital and Chiropractic Clinic

To Apply

Please apply by submitting the documents below:

A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)

Your most recent resume (CV)

Please view the position description here.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted. Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Position contact: Professor Rajeev Varshney, Director of the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre and Director of the Centre for Crop & Food Innovation, [email protected]

Closing date: 27/03/2023 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.