• Full time fixed term for 2 years based at Camperdown Campus
• Opportunity for a creative and experienced computational biologist to join our team to study the transmission and evolution of co-circulating pathogens
• Base Salary Level A ($112,690 - $116,679) or Level B ($122,830 - $145,858) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID) is a Flagship Centre within the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney. As a multi-disciplinary centre, Sydney ID is committed to research and knowledge discovery that will improve understanding of the complex interactions that fuel the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, regionally and globally. Expertise within the institute spans across several areas including pathogen evolution, antimicrobial resistance and novel therapies, One Health, HIV and STIs, vaccine development, immunisation, epidemiology, surveillance and outbreak response, social and behavioural science, and health literacy. Our researchers strive to mitigate the health and socioeconomic impacts of infectious diseases by generating innovative insights and practical solutions. Sydney ID supports research across the translational and disciplinary spectrum.

The Computational Microbiology group at SydneyID is an NHMRC-funded initiative that brings together laboratory and computational scientists using cutting-edge technologies for the analysis of multi-pathogen datasets at scale. We study the interplay between microbial pathogens and their hosts, focusing on clinically important pathogens that share the same niche, eg. respiratory infections, bloodborne viruses, mosquito-borne viruses, and infections of the reproductive tract. We do this using highly parallelisable omics techniques, especially targeted metagenomics, together with custom analysis workflows designed to take full advantage of high-dimensional data. Our research is highly collaborative and translational, and we have strong partnerships with clinical and public health colleagues in Australia and internationally.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and technically proficient Postdoctoral Research Associate / Research Fellow to join our team as a computational biologist. This is a computational (dry-lab) position, with the option to contribute to hands-on genomics laboratory work in line with interest and experience. You will be working under the guidance of NHMRC Principal Investigator - Associate Professor Tanya Golubchik. This position will be based at the Biomedical Building (C81) in the School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney.

Current research areas include:

• comprehensive sequencing of mosquito-borne pathogens (COSMOS);
• epidemic shifts in viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens;
• enrichment-based metagenomics for reproductive health of women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa (EMPOWER);
• genomics to enhance microbiological screening of blood and blood products (GEMS), together with the University of Oxford and NHS Blood and Transplant.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• conduct original research within the group's program in the genomics of co-circulating pathogens, working independently or as part of a team, focusing on data analysis, result dissemination, and securing research funding
• analyse data from fast-developing genomics technologies, particularly targeted metagenomics with deep sequencing (largely Illumina, some Oxford Nanopore)
• develop and apply computational and statistical methods to enable these analyses
• provide mentoring and guidance to more junior academics and supervise postgraduate research students where appropriate
• maintain quality, standards and excellence in research activities and output.
• contribute to a positive workplace culture in which diversity of thought, contribution, collaboration, excellence and achieving outcomes are valued and enabled.

About you

For Level A - Postdoc Research Associate

• completed a PhD or equivalent research experience in a relevant quantitative discipline (such as genomics, infectious disease epidemiology, bioinformatics, biophysics or computer science/engineering) or equivalent professional experience in a relevant scientific field. Applicants with substantial post-PhD research experience who meet other selection criteria may be considered at the more senior level (Research Fellow, Level B)
• proven experience in scientific writing for the development and submission of research publications or grant applications
• demonstrated interest in infectious disease genomics
• proven experience supervising and mentoring others
• proven proficiency in core analytical methodologies, such as reference-based mapping, de novo assembly, phylogenetic reconstruction, phylogeographic and/or statistical genetics methods
• demonstrated ability to organise and maintain dynamic research datasets and code (eg. using version control), including those shared with other group members
• proven advanced skills in a relevant programming language (eg. python, R), with a creative and flexible approach to method development
• demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships
• a basic understanding of molecular biology and sequencing is highly desirable

For Level B - Research Fellow (In addition to the above)

• completed a PhD and at least 2 years further research experience in a relevant field
• maintain a research profile, including preparation and writing of peer-reviewed journal articles, conference abstracts and reports, and presenting at conferences
• provide informal mentoring/guidance to junior staff members and students as required
• develop and maintain a robust network of academic, professional partners, and internal stakeholders

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.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Please indicate in your cover letter the Level you are applying for (level A or B)

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Tanya Golubchik by email to tanya.golubchik@sydney.edu.au or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Deepna Chand, Recruitment Operations, by email to Deepna.Chand@sydney.edu.au

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 17 September 2024 11:59 PM