Bioinformatics – Postdoctoral Researcher - Garvan Institute of Medical Research

We are seeking a highly driven postdoctoral scientist with training or experience in bioinformatics to join the Tumor Progression Laboratory of Dr Alex Swarbrick. Dr Swarbrick leads a multidisciplinary group combining transcriptomics, cell biology, functional genomics and mammalian models of cancer to discover and characterise the genes controlling cancer growth, metastasis and therapeutic response. The Bioinformatics Research Officer will lead the development and implementation of bioinformatic analyses of single-cell genomic data.

The position is based at The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, a new joint initiative of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and St. Vincent’s Hospital, located in inner-city Darlinghurst. The Kinghorn is rapidly developing expertise and large capacity in cancer genomics and informatics and will provide a supportive and exciting environment for the fellow.

Garvan offers a friendly and professional work environment in state of the art modern building and facilities, on-site café, social club and close to cafes and public transport. You’ll be rewarded with a competitive salary, above market Superannuation and attractive salary packaging options. This role is Full-time for an initial 2 year fixed term contract.

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Lectureship in Systems Genomics (continuing) - University of Melbourne

The School of BioSciences is seeking to recruit an excellent researcher, with a commitment to teaching and other academic duties, in the area of systems genomics, defined broadly to include a range of computation/statistics-based research on any aspects of the processes leading from genotype to phenotype. The postholder can also be a member of the University's new Centre for Systems Genomics

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PhD projects@JCU on advanced Shrimp Breeding and evolutionary genomics

As part of a large collaborative project in Advanced Shrimp Breeding and Genomics, we are looking for motivated students with skills in genomics, transcriptomics and evolutionary bioinformatics for the following projects.

Project 5 – Functional transcriptomics of viral infection in the black tiger prawn (James Cook University and CSIRO)

This project will examine whether the manner in which a black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) is challenged with Gill-associated virus (GAV) affects what defence response pathways can be activated to protect the prawn against infection/disease.

Essential components of the project will be GAV challenge trials in P. monodon and the generation and interrogation of RNAseq data to identify/predict genes and gene pathways activated in response to GAV challenge via the various infection routes examined. Silencing of gene expression using RNA interference (RNAi) will also be employed to further explore the functioning of genes predicted to have pivotal roles in the prawn defense response.

The desired candidate will preferably have a background in molecular genetics along with skills in next-generation sequencing approaches and computational analyses.

Project 6 – Comparative, evolutionary and functional genomics of the black tiger prawn (University of Sydney & James Cook University)

This project will be a component of the full genome assembly of an inbred black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) based on a combination of short-read sequences and standard mate-pair end Illumina together with the use of long-read sequencing data based on PacBio, HiC, Nanopore platforms for improved hybrid assembly (scaffold/chromosome level). After the genome is annotated thoroughly, the project will aim to find syntenic blocks and reconstruct the evolutionary history of Decapods/crustaceans by comparing the P. monodon genome to the genomes of Daphnia, Artemia, Litopenaeus vannamei and potentially of other decapods/crustaceans.

The desired candidate will preferably have a background in molecular genetics along with skills in next-generation sequencing approaches and computational analyses. Successful students will either be enrolled through James Cook University or the University of Sydney and will work embedded or alongside partners of the ARC Research Hub for Advanced Prawn Breeding depending on the project (ie CSIRO, AGRF).

For more information on additional PhD opportunities...

...including what the Hub will achieve and partners please visit https://research.jcu.edu.au/itrh-apb

For further details on projects and information on how to apply...

...please contact Professor Dean Jerry, Director ARC Hub for Advanced Prawn Breeding, Townsville, Australia.

Click here for more details on projects vacancies at the ARC Hub for Advanced Prawn Breeding...

Adaptation genomics: the genetic architecture of colour polymorphism and speciation - University of Melbourne

We are seeking a PhD student to work on an ARC-funded project investigating the genetics underpinning discrete colour morphs in a species of lizard (commencing in 2016).

Project description

To understand the speciation process, we need to understand how selection acts on traits involved in reproductive isolation (e.g. colour variation), and how this relates to the underlying genetic architecture. The project will utilise a well-characterised system with two genetically and phenotypically discrete lineages, the tawny dragon lizard. The species is polymorphic and lineages differ most notably in throat coloration (see figure below).

The main aims are to determine the nature of reproductive isolation between lineages, identify genes associated with colour morphs and investigate whether these gene regions are also involved in the process of speciation. The PhD project may involve fieldwork in semi-arid South Australia as well as captive maintenance of tawny dragons, laboratory work and/or bioinformatics depending on the student’s main interests.

Requirements

The student will need to obtain an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA; $25,849 per annum, or an IPRS for international students) through The University of Melbourne; therefore a first class Honours or Masters Degree and/or evidence of publishing in international peer-reviewed scientific journals are essential. Experience in bioinformatics and/or working with lizards would be a bonus.

To apply

Interested applicants please submit:

1. a brief cover letter outlining your research interests
2. a comprehensive CV
3. academic transcript and
4. contact details of two referees (including a previous research supervisor).

For further information and to submit an application, please contact Dr Devi Stuart-Fox (devistuartfox.com) or Dr Claire McLean,.

Senior Research Fellow – Bioinfomatician/Biostatistical Geneticist - University of Otago

The main role of this position is to support and conduct independent research in the Clinical Genetics Group within the Dunedin School of Medicine by bringing statistical and bioinformatics expertise to their research programme, which is focused on the genetics of childhood diseases. The prime focus is the analysis of rare germline genetic determinants. You will collaborate across the University campus with other groups researching genetics of other disease states, including integration with an emerging group of researchers interested in the application of genomics to medical practice.

To be successful in this role you will:

• Be trained in research to a PhD level
• Have published prior research in peer reviewed journals
• Have an ability to form positive and productive collaborations
• Be able to work with some independence
• Have sound organisational and communication skills
• Have strong attention to detail

An important pre-requisite is a firm working knowledge of biomedical science. Strengths in statistics as applied to genomics datasets, bioinformatics, and computer programming are essential. This position would suit someone who would like to build towards a leadership role in academic genomic medical research.

This is a full-time fixed term position for four years.

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