Job Description

The Puttick Lab sits at the intersection of computational biology,immunologyand genomics. Our research focuses on understanding how the immune system recognises foreign threats, such as cancer and infectedcells, andbecomes activated toeliminatethem. We also investigate how these processes fail, contributing to human disease.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Research Assistant/Research Officer will join the lab and lead an exciting project focused on the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes.

The HLA genes playa central rolein both adaptive and innate immunity, governing antigen presentation as well as antigen-independent activating and inhibitory signalling pathways. Our group studies HLA biology using next-generation sequencing data, with a particular focus on understanding how these genes are regulated in both normal tissues and cancer. Due to the extreme genetic diversity of the HLA region, this work requires the development and application of specialised computational approaches. We areseekingtalented and motivated researchers to join the lab and contribute to projects investigating the regulation of HLA genes across diverse biological contexts, working closely with our collaborators in London.

Research Assistant/Research Officers are appointed on a salary scale depending on level of experience, performance and requirements of the role required within the lab/group. For further information, refer to Garvan’s Research Assistant, Senior Research Assistant and Research Officer Criteria.

Salary:Up to $117,400+ 14% superannuation +salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type:2-year fixed-term,full-time

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 opportunitiesfor on-going training and development

• Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment

• Flexible work arrangementse.g. start / finish times

• 18 weeks paid parental leavefor both parents including paid superannuation

• A range ofadditionalleave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, communityserviceand study leave

• Discounted Health Insurance

• Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

WHAT YOU WILL DO

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The key responsibilities include:

1. Scientific Excellence

• Development of novel computational methods and analytical tools

• Analysis of large-scale sequencing and genomics datasets

• Biological interpretation of results

• Preparation of manuscripts for publication

• Presentation of findings at national and international conferences and meetings

• Mentoring and supporting junior members of the laboratory

2. Institute Contributions

• Values & Integrity:Demonstratescientific and professional integrity at all times, acting as a role model for ethical behaviour.

• Active Participation: Contribute to the wider institute community by participating in committees, outreach projects, or donor activities.

3. Health & Safety and Risk Management

• Comply withGarvan’s workplace polices (as amended from time to time) and especially Garvan’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy, including working in accordancewiththeWHSmanagementsystematalltimes,assafetyis Garvan’s number one priority.

• Proactively identify, assess, and report operational, financial, and safety risks associated with the duties of this role. The incumbent is required to adhere to the organisation’s Risk Management Framework, ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with established policies and procedures, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by suggesting mitigation strategies for identified hazards or inefficiencies.

ABOUT YOU

KNOWLEDGE,SKILLSAND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

The key skills and experience include:

• Education: ABachelor’s Degree in Science or Medicineisrequired; a Master’s

• Degree is preferable for advanced candidates.

• Research Officer roles require a PhD or MD (Doctor of Medicine) in a relevant subject area

• Experience: Required experience varies depending on appointment level, with RA1 requiring minimal experience and more advanced appointments requiringpreviousexperience.

• Technical Skills: High-level skills in coding, datainterpretationand statistical analysis.

• Competencies: Strong computer literacy (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and the ability to produce publishable-standard visual data representations.
  

ABOUT GARVAN

Garvan Institute of Medical Researchis 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 regardedMRI’s

Our vision is global leadership in discoveries toimpactand our enduring purpose is toimpacthuman health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.

Weseekto 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, pleasesubmityour application with a CV and cover letter as one document,statingwhy you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you thinkyou’rethe right person for this role,we’dlove 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.