Bioinformatician

Garvan Institute of Medical Research – Sydney NSW 3d ago, from Garvan Institute of Medical Research 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 disease, 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 and collaborative Bioinformatician to support our large-scale cellular genomics research program. Working as part of a highly productive multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the processing, quality control, and interpretation of single-cell and multi-omic datasets generated across several flagship projects. This role is ideal for someone early in their bioinformatics career who is eager to learn, grow, and work with cutting‑edge data. You will help operate, maintain, and refine established computational pipelines (primarily in Python and R), assist with routine and bespoke analyses, and support the integration of multi‑layered datasets, including scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, genotype data, and functional readouts. A key part of the role will involve generating clear data visualisations, summaries, and figures to support manuscripts, presentations, and internal project meetings. You will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and senior analysts, contributing directly to major research efforts such as TenK10K. The position offers strong opportunities for skill development, exposure to state-of-the-art analytical methods, and the chance to make meaningful contributions to high-impact publications and translational research outcomes. If you are enthusiastic, organised, and eager to learn modern computational genomics in a supportive, fast-moving research environment, we would love to hear from you. THE POWELL LAB The Powell Lab’s research focuses 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? 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. WORKING ENVIRONMENT We offer an environment that values: Scientific independence and creativity, Rigorous, reproducible research, Collaboration and mentorship, Ambition to tackle big, long‑term scientific problems. Our vision is to train and empower the next generation of scientists who will shape the future of personalised and predictive medicine. If you want to work on high-impact problems, build foundational resources for global science, and help translate genomic insights into real-world advances, the Powell Lab is an inspiring place to do it. SALARY & BENEFITS Salary: $90,000 – $109,100 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience) 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 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 This is a 2‑year, full‑time position. The incumbent bioinformatician will work closely with Dr Albert Henry as well as other members of the lab to support computational research activities across the following areas: BIOINFORMATICS Curating results from large-scale multi-omics studies (including single-cell transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics quantitative trait loci mapping, genome-wide association studies, and phenome-wide association studies) to identify effective therapeutic targets. Developing and maintaining a database to integrate results from large-scale multi-omics studies to facilitate efficient query and high-throughput analysis. Developing statistical and machine learning methods to identify and prioritise drug targets by leveraging results from multi-omics studies. COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY Resolving the genetic mechanisms of complex human disease in stem cell models by applying single-cell multi-omics and statistical genetics methods. Applying ML/AI algorithms and software to large-scale genomic data. Analysing data generated within the group, by collaborators or in the public domain to answer research questions. Additional responsibilities include: Staying informed on advances in computational genomics methods, as well as building and maintaining biological domain expertise Presenting results in meetings and conferences Contributing to scientific manuscripts Collaborating with other group members and as part of national and international consortia Record‑keeping and administrative aspects that underlie scientific research – in discussion with group members and the development of timelines Attending, discussing and reviewing current and future techniques within the institute In addition to supporting the outlined research activities, opportunities will be made available to pursue and publish leading research ABOUT YOU KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED The key skills and experience of a Bioinformatician include: A strong background in computational genomics, bioinformatics or data science 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. An honours degree or higher qualification in a relevant field such as bioinformatics, computer science, data science, biology, statistics or other relevant areas, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training. Good knowledge of statistical genetics and analyses of single-cell and genomics data (e.g. single-cell transcriptomics, molecular quantitative trait loci mapping, genome-wide association analysis, rare variant association testing) High proficiency in programming and scripting languages (e.g. Python, R, Rust) Experience with Unix and HPC environments Demonstrated experience using version control for code development and reproducible research An interest in human genetics, cellular biology, and drug development Excellent problem-solving skills Good communication skills and strong teamwork and collaborative research abilities Excellent project management and organisation skills Ability to work independently and meet deadlines Experience in managing large datasets in an HPC environment Experience with workflow management systems (e.g. Snakemake, Nextflow) to perform large-scale analysis in an HPC environment Experience in developing and maintaining open-source software for research Good knowledge of statistics and presentation of single-cell molecular data Experience and expertise in ML/AI algorithms for analysis of genomic data 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 both computational and experimental colleagues. Problem-solving orientation – proactive in identifying issues in data, pipelines, or analyses and driving solutions independently. Attention to detail – committed to producing high-quality, reproducible work across large and complex datasets. Adaptability – comfortable working across multiple projects and adjusting to the evolving needs of fast-moving research programs. Organised and reliable – can manage competing priorities, maintain well-structured code and documentation, and meet project timelines. Curiosity and initiative – motivated to learn new methods, improve workflows, and contribute ideas to enhance the lab’s computational capabilities. Commitment to scientific excellence – values rigour, transparency, and continuous improvement. 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