Postdoctoral Researcher

**Role Type**: 12-month full time contract (with potential for extension)
**Salary**: $106,667 - $114,497 per annum plus superannuation
**The opportunity**:
**BRACE Trial**: An international phase III randomised controlled trial (RCT) assessing the impact of BCG vaccination on COVID-19 outcomes among nearly 7,000 healthcare workers.
**MIS BAIR Trial**: A phase III, multisite RCT involving over 1,200 infants, investigating the effects of neonatal BCG vaccination on clinical allergy and infection outcomes during the first five years of life.
About your new team
The Infectious Diseases research group, led by Prof Nigel Curtis and Dr Nicole Messina, is dedicated to advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases across all age groups, particularly focusing on critical issues affecting child health globally, such as tuberculosis and respiratory infections. Our multidisciplinary team includes laboratory researchers, data managers, study nurses, clinical trial coordinators, and clinicians, all working together on cutting-edge clinical and laboratory-based research.
**Your responsibilities include**:
Conduct high-calibre research independently while contributing to the broader goals of the Infectious Diseases research group
Perform immunological and bioinformatic analyses on human biosamples
Engage in both wet-lab and dry-lab projects, demonstrating a blend of skills across research areas
Collaborate closely with laboratory staff, data managers and statisticians, and provide mentorship in the utilisation of bioinformatic analysis tools and data analysis for fellow team members.
Co-mentorship from the MCRI Bioinformatics group to keep up to date with current and emerging bioinformatic tools and methodology to enhance research outcomes
**What we need from you**:
PhD in Immunology, Infectious Diseases, or a related field
Proven experience in both laboratory and data-centered research
Experience in wet-lab molecular techniques for transcriptomic and/or epigenomic assays
Proficiency in R, Python and High Performance Computing
Strong analytical skills, particularly in immunological analyses and bioinformatics
Excellent collaboration and communication skills
What’s in it for you?
**Maximise Your Pay**: Benefit from salary packaging, including entertainment and novated leases
**Flexible Working Options**: Enjoy a variety of flexible work arrangements.
**Impactful Research**: Contribute to groundbreaking studies that address significant global health challenges, particularly in child health and infectious diseases.
**Professional Development**: Gain valuable experience and skills in both laboratory and data-centered research, enhancing your expertise in immunology and bioinformatics.
**Collaborative Environment**: Work alongside a diverse team of experts, including clinicians, researchers, and bioinformaticians, fostering a rich collaborative atmosphere.
**Mentorship Opportunities**: Benefit from direct supervision and mentorship from Dr. Nicole Messina and co-mentorship from the MCRI Bioinformatics group, providing guidance and support for your career advancement.
**Access to Resources**: Utilise state-of-the-art facilities and technologies for immunological analyses, transcriptomics, and epigenetics, enhancing the quality of your research.
Who we are
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.
If you are passionate about advancing infectious disease research and possess the necessary skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.
Your resume
A cover letter addressing each of the key selection criteria
Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.
No recruitment agencies please.
Position Description
**Applications close**: 23rd October 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight time