Postdoc in Statistical Genetics

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading researchers and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to improve human health. Our mission is to harness all the information encoded in our genome to better diagnose, treat, predict and prevent disease. From the individual patient with rare diseases, to the many thousands affected by complex, widespread illness, we are pioneering discoveries across diseases that have the deepest impact on our community. THE OPPORTUNITY We’re seeking a motivated Statistical Genetics Postdoc (3-year role) to play a key role in our large-scale genomics research. The incumbent will work on the second phase of the TenK10K project, which offers an exceptional opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to lead high-profile, field-defining work at a population scale. As the world’s largest single-cell multi-omics resource (with single-cell multi-omic data generated for 10,000 donors, matched genotypes, and clinical phenotyping), TenK10K provides unprecedented power to uncover cell-type-specific and cell-state-specific genetic mechanisms underlying human biology and disease. The Postdoc joining this program will have the opportunity to: Drive high-impact discoveries in gene regulation, immune variation, disease mechanisms, and functional cell states. Lead analyses that directly enable first-author publications, with multiple manuscripts already under review from Phase 1 of the study. Work within a project that is heavily resourced and with substantial collaborations, including industry partners and Prof Daniel MacArthur’s Centre for Population Genomics. Access an analytical ecosystem; cloud compute, engineering support, wet-lab validation pipelines, and established multi-omics workflows, allowing postdocs to focus on conceptual and scientific innovation. More broadly, the Powell Lab’s research focused on how human genetic variation shapes cellular function and disease, with the long-term vision of building a cell-resolved, causal map of human biology. We seek to understand, at scale, how DNA variation rewires regulatory networks, shifts cell states, and drives human disease, and to translate these insights into better diagnostics and therapeutics. To achieve this, we develop and integrate cutting-edge experimental and computational platforms: Large-cohort single-cell genomics (e.g., TenK10K) generating millions of profiles to map regulatory architecture across diverse individuals. iPSC “Village” systems and CRISPR perturbation to experimentally dissect and validate gene function in controlled, scalable cellular models. Advanced computational genomics, machine learning, and causal inference frameworks that link genetic variants to cellular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Our research spans immune biology, cardiac disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer, unified by a central question: Which genes, cell states, and molecular pathways are causally driving human traits and disease, and how can we intervene? Why join us? We have built a team that thrives at the intersection of genomics, AI, and cellular biology. Lab members gain access to unique population-scale datasets, advanced wet- and dry-lab technologies, and pathways to meaningful collaborations with clinicians, industry partners, and international consortia. We offer an environment that values: Scientific independence and creativity, Rigorous, reproducible research, Collaboration and mentorship, and Ambition to tackle big, long-term scientific problems. Salary: AU$102,500 – AU$117,400 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience) Employment Type: 3-year fixed-term contract SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom) Ample opportunities for on-going training and development Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave Discounted Health Insurance Lifestyle discounts with our community partners WHAT YOU WILL DO ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The key responsibilities include: Research & Development: Implement and develop advanced computational and statistical genetics techniques to analyse large-scale single-cell and genomic data. Data Analysis: Process, analyse, and interpret high-throughput single-cell and genomic data to derive biologically meaningful insights. Collaboration: Work closely with researchers, bioinformaticians, clinicians, and other stakeholders to integrate findings into actionable strategies. Publication & Dissemination: lead research papers, presentations at national and international conferences, and engage in other scholarly activities to share findings with the broader scientific community. Act as an Investigator on project and grant applications. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in computational biology, statistical genetics, and single-cell genomics. Be involved in the recruitment and supervision of research assistants and students. ABOUT YOU KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED The key skills and experience of a Research Officer include: A strong background in single-cell genomics or statistical genetics is preferred. Highly motivated individuals with a strong attention to detail, multi-tasking skills, and a willingness to learn new technologies are also encouraged to apply. Essential criteria PhD in a relevant area, for example, single-cell genomics, statistical genetics, genetic epidemiology, or computational biology. Expertise in statistical genetics and analyses of single-cell and genomics data, for example, quality control of single-cell transcriptomics and genetics data, single-cell molecular quantitative trait loci mapping, and colocalization analysis Experience with Unix and HPC environments High proficiency in writing code for data analysis (e.g. using R / Python) and using relevant software Demonstrated capability of writing for publication in high-impact academic journals Excellent problem-solving skills Excellent communication skills for written reports and oral presentations Project management and organisation skills Ability to work independently and meet deadlines Desirable criteria Experience in managing large datasets in an HPC environment Demonstrated experience using version control for code development and reproducible research Good knowledge of statistics and presentation of single-cell molecular data. Experience and expertise in ML/AI algorithms for analysis of single-cell genomic data Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with researchers across both dry and wet laboratories. Key Personal Attributes Collaborative mindset – enjoys working closely with postdocs and researchers,contributing to shared goals and supporting team-based science. Strong communication skills – able to explain analytical approaches clearly to bothcomputational and experimental colleagues. Problem-solving orientation – proactive in identifying issues in data, pipelines, oranalyses and driving solutions independently. Attention to detail – committed to producing high-quality, reproducible work acrosslarge and complex datasets. Adaptability – comfortable working across multiple projects and adjusting to theevolving needs of fast-moving research programs. Organised and reliable – can manage competing priorities, maintain well-structuredcode and documentation, and meet project timelines. Curiosity and initiative – motivated to learn new methods, improve workflows, andcontribute ideas to enhance the lab’s computational capabilities. Commitment to scientific excellence – values rigour, transparency, and continuousimprovement. ABOUT GARVAN Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s. Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome. We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease. Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr