Computational Biologist

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Parental leave

Professional development

Job summary

Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, seeks a Computational Biologist to collaborate on complex data analyses across single-cell genomics, spatial technologies, RNA-seq, and clinical biomarker data. This is a 2-year fixed-term, full-time role with salary dependent on experience.

You will design experiments, build reusable workflows using containers, and contribute to publications. The position offers flexible work arrangements, generous parental leave, and ongoing professional

Qualifications

• PhD in related science or engineering.
• Strong statistics knowledge and programming skills.
• Experience analyzing high-throughput omics data.
• Proficiency with Unix/HPC, scripting (R, Python).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists on data analyses and experimental design.
• Build modular workflows using containers and workflow tools.
• Prepare figures and contribute to manuscripts.
• Stay current with computational methods and AI tooling.

Skills

Statistics

Programming (R/Python)

Unix/HPC

Git

Containers/Workflow

Cloud computing

Agentic AI tools

Education

PhD in related area

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Workflow management

Job description

Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading scientists and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to advance our understanding of disease, particularly cancer, autoimmunity and genetic disorders. Garvan is a global leader in fundamental biomedical research and its translation. Our mission is to make discoveries that will improve health for all.The Garvan Data Science Platform (DSP) brings together computational experts working in computational biology, AI/ML, production bioinformatics, system administration, and software engineering. The Computational Biology group in DSP performs complex data analysis projects, combining computational skills with biological domain expertise. We work closely with collaborators at Garvan, across Australia and internationally, including commercial partners.THE OPPORTUNITYThe Computational Biologist will collaborate with scientists and medical researchers on complex data analysis projects, including experimental design and planning, building workflows, data processing, statistical analysis, visualisation, interpretation, and manuscript writing. Example projects include data from single-cell genomics, spatial technologies, RNA- seq, whole-genome sequencing, and clinical biomarker data. This is a 2-year fixed-term full-time position with salary dependent on experience.SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITSGenerous 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 developmentStimulating, diverse and highly international research environmentFlexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuationA range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leaveDiscounted Health InsuranceLifestyle discounts with our community partnersWHAT YOU WILL DOThe key responsibilities include:Contribute to computational analysis projects at Garvan, including liaising with collaborators, planning and executing analyses, identifying and helping to resolve issues, and selecting suitable computational approachesAnalyse data with emphasis on biological interpretation, including data processing, quality control, unsupervised and supervised analyses, statistical modelling, visualisationPrepare figures for publication, contribute to manuscript writingContribute to experimental design and planningCreate and maintain modular and reusable workflows through use of container and workflow management technologiesAdhere to and help develop best practices, including evaluation and benchmarking of existing methodsStay informed on advances in computational methods; build biological domain expertise relevant to the analysis projectsBuild and use agentic AI workflows on Garvan's enterprise platforms using tools such as Claude Science for analysis, and writing reusable bioinformatics SkillsPresent research at internal and external seminars and conferencesContribute to training programs through helping to run workshops, participating in code reviews, and supporting students and junior staffAll staff are required to 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.ABOUT YOUThe key skills and experience required include:PhD degree, completed or nearing completion, in a related area of science or engineeringSound statistical knowledge and programming skillsGood knowledge of biologyAnalysis of high-throughput datasets, including quality control, unsupervised and supervised analyses, with emphasis on biological interpretationExperience analysing and interpreting -omics data such as single-cell genomics, spatial technologies, RNA-seq, whole-genome sequencing, clinical biomarker dataComfortable working with Unix and in an HPC environmentProficient in at least one scripting language (R, Python)Familiar with version control systems (particularly Git)Exposure to, or willingness to learn, software containers, workflow management systems, databases and cloud computingProficient with the use of agentic AI tools for coding, familiarity with best practices around the use of generative AIPublications commensurate with career stageStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work across multiple projects and manage competing prioritiesStrong attention to detail - Maintain well-structured code and documentation that allows for reproducible work on complex datasets.Enthusiasm for learning new methods and working collaboratively to support computational analysis across the Garvan communityABOUT GARVANGarvan 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 APPLYTo 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.