Research Officer

Postdoctoral fellow in computational biology/bioinformatics
- Generate insights & help decode the role of genetics in neurological conditions
- Attractive salary packaging & superannuation options

**About QIMR Berghofer**:
QIMR Berghofer is a statutory body under the Queensland Institute of Medical Research Act (1945). The mission of QIMR Berghofer is to promote better health through impactful medical research. QIMR Berghofer has a vision to lead the way to significant innovation in health outcomes, nationally and globally. We are committed to supporting ground-breaking research discoveries, achieving sustainability and achieving impact, maintaining an internationally recognised Medical Research Institute within the State of Queensland that is the primary focus of Medical Research within the State. We cooperate with, and where possible assist the work of other medical research institutions within the State and globally.

The Institute focuses its research within four key Programs:

- Cancer Research
- Infection & Inflammation
- Mental Health & Neuroscience
- Population Health
- Excellence and Integrity
- Collaboration and Partnership
- Respect and Diversity
- Accountability

**About the Computational Neurogenomics Laboratory**:
The Computational Neurogenomics Laboratory performs advanced data analytics and bioinformatics projects, combining omics, neuroimaging, and clinical data to investigate the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to neuropsychiatric diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, suicidal behaviours, sleep-related traits, and other complex neuropsychiatric disorders.

**Role Purpose / Responsibilities**:

- ** Research**
- Conduct large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using data from national and international cohorts such as the UK Biobank, Australian Parkinson’s Genetics Study (APGS), Australian Genetics of Depression Study (AGDS), among others.
- Conduct large-scale Mendelian randomization studies to understand the causal relationship between neuropsychiatric exposures and outcomes.
- Publish high quality papers in peer-reviewed academic journals and contribute to the academic environment of the group and institute.
- Acquire and maintain familiarity with relevant scientific literature.
- Present results of research at meetings at all levels - group, institutional, national, and international.
- Any other duties as reasonably directed by your supervisor.
- ** Supervision and Researcher Development**
- Contribute to the effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students (as appropriate).
- Provide support to other junior members of the group as needed.
- Working to promptly resolve conflict and grievances when they arise in accordance with the institute’s policy and procedures.

**About you**:
To be successful in this role you will have a PhD qualification and be self-driven and ambitious postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in data science, bioinformatics, or data analytics.

**Essential**
- PhD and expertise in one of the following areas: Computational biology, human statistical genetics, data science, epidemiology, or a related field.
- Experience with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and post-GWAS analyses including Mendelian randomisation and polygenic risk scoring.
- Experience in handling and manipulating large datasets.
- Demonstrated previous research experience and a robust publication record in peer-reviewed academic journals is required.
- Strong motivation with the ability to work independently and design / interpret genetic statistical analyses, with excellent organisational skills and high ethical standards.
- Demonstrated experience using Python, R, and Linux.
- Understanding of High-Performance Computing (HPC) and ability to write batch scripts.
- Strong motivation with the ability to work independently and design / interpret genetic statistical analyses, with excellent organisational skills.
- An ability to establish effective relationships and to represent and promote academic discipline.

**Desirable**
- Experience using GitHub.
- Presentation(s) at national or international conferences.
- Knowledge and experience implementing machine learning models and neural networks.
- Knowledge and experience conducting research with samples from diverse ancestries.

**Remuneration**: Salary range is $88,849 to $95,329 p.a. plus super and salary packaging. This is a full-time appointment for 24 months, with the possibility of extension. This position may also be offered as a part-time role for an experienced applicant on request.

**Closing Date**:30 April 2023

**What we offer**:

- Salary Packaging
- Bonus Superannuation
- State of the art facilities
- Stimulating work setting focussed on cutting edge medical research
- Supportive/collaborative team environment