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 infected cells, and becomes activated toeliminatethem. We also investigate how these processes fail, contributing to human disease

THE OPPORTUNITY

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

The HLA genes play a central role in 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 are seeking talented 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. 

The Senior Research Officer (SRO) is accountable for conducting research independently within a laboratory under the strategic guidance and oversight of the Laboratory Head. The SRO contributes significantly to and influences the lab’s research program through defined and advanced projects. SROs hold significant leadership roles, driving research completion, developing professional networks, and undertaking the supervision of others. They are expected to work towards or have secured independent funding to support their research projects and staff.

Senior Research Officers are appointed on a salary scale depending on level of experience, performance and requirements of the rolerequiredwithin the lab/group. For further information, refer to Garvan’s Senior Research Officer (SRO) Levels 1-6 Criteria.

Salary:Up to$140,400+ 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. Research Excellence

• Independence and Innovation:Demonstratea high levelof research independence and innovation in conducting original research.

• Research Leadership: Successfully lead research projects resulting in first or senior authorship in refereed journals, books, and conference reports.

• Strategic Planning: Take a strategic view of projects,prioritisingand planning research directions three to four years ahead.

• National/International Recognition: Establisha profile in the discipline areaevidencedby invited seminar presentations at national and international meetings.

• Collaboration: Contribute to productive research outcomes in team and collaborative projects, including multidisciplinary collaborations

3. Team Leadership

• Supervision: Act as a principal supervisor or first point of contact for research students and less experienced research staff

• Mentoring and Coaching: Advise and coach lab members to develop their scientific, technical, and research management skills.

• People Management: Lead small research groups or “teams within a team”,particularly at senior SRO levels (SRO5-6).

• Recruitment:Assistin the recruitment and development of support staff, such as employee development and mentoring programs

• Professional Growth: Manage own continuing development andparticipatein Garvan’s employee development and mentoring programs.

4. Resources & Planning

• Funding Generation:Act as a named Investigator on external research grant submissions and build knowledge of diverse funding sources.

• Financial Management: Show responsibility in the prudential management of grant funds and experience in managing budgets.

• Lab Operations: Take responsibility for the efficient day-to-day administrative operations of the research laboratory or facility.

• Compliance and Ethics: Prepare and report on human and/or animal ethics applications and ensure all research conforms to good scientific practice and safety standards.

5. Institute Contributions

• Organisational Leadership:Participatein Garvan committees, training programs, and fundraising events to promote a culture of collegiality.

• Professional Service: Activelyparticipatein relevant scientific societies and act as a peer reviewer for grants and manuscripts.

• Public Engagement: Engage in the communication of science to the public via media interviews or public seminars.

• Compliance:Comply withGarvan’s workplace polices (as amended from time to time) and especially Garvan’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy, including workingin accordance withthe WHS management system at all times, as safety is Garvan’s number one priority.

6. Health & Safety and Risk Management

• Comply with Garvan’s workplace polices (as amended from time to time) and especially Garvan’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy,including working in accordance with the WHS management system at all times, as safety is Garvan’s number one priority. 

• Proactivelyidentify, assess, and report operational, financial, and safety risks associated with the duties of this role. The incumbentis required toadhere to the organisation’s Risk Management Framework, ensure all activities are conductedin accordance withestablished policies and procedures, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by suggesting mitigation strategies foridentifiedhazards or inefficiencies. 

ABOUT YOU

KNOWLEDGE,SKILLSAND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

The key skills and experience include:

• Education: A PhD or MD (Doctor of Medicine) in a relevant subject area.

• Experience: Typically requires at least 3-4 years of postdoctoral experience for appointment to SRO level, with 6+ yearsrequiredfor more senior levels (i.e. SRO4-6).

• Project Management: Strong project management skills and the ability to define manageable research projects.

• Communication: Highly developed written and verbal communication skills for publishing, grant writing, and presentations.

• Technical Expertise:Acquiredexpertisein a wide range of laboratory techniques and a record of significant scientific achievement.

• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent ability to build andmaintaininternal and external working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

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.