Bioinformatics Scientist, Molecular and Genomics

Job description

Agency Department of Health Work unit Territory Pathology

Job title Bioinformatics Scientist, Molecular and Genomics Designation Professional 3

Job type Full time Duration Ongoing

Salary $110,873 - $124,173 Location Darwin

Position number 49081 RTF Closing 18/02/2026

Contact officer Saed Nargesi, Network Supervising Scientist on or

About the agency

Apply online

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR

TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans

The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates

people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or

job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go

to the OCPE website.

Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go

to the OCPE website.

Primary objective

One of the major focuses of Territory Pathology is transitioning existing technologies onto genomic platforms for both clinical and

public health microbiology and human diseases. We are committed to providing an efficient, effective, legally robust and timely

public health and diagnostic laboratory service in the biological and medical fields. These activities incorporate the principles of

ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189, and ISO 14001.

Context statement

This Bioinformatics position sits within the Genomics team which works to implement bioinformatics tools to analyse sequence

data across multiple disciplines. The appointee will have the opportunity to join a productive team in a supportive and exciting

work environment helping Territory Pathology implement its transition to a genomics workflow. The appointee will help and have

a positive impact in reducing the time it takes to detect microbial pathogen outbreaks, thus reducing the disease burden in society.

In addition, the successful applicant will support collaboration between the Territory Pathology and external organisations including

Genomics Australia for translation of genomics into public health nationally, the AusTrakka platform for national microbial genomics

surveillance and response, and the Australian Pathogen Genomics (AusPathoGen) research program.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Evaluate and implement new bioinformatics pipelines for routine genomics based public health service delivery, including

validation and documentation of pipelines for NATA accreditation. Under the supervision of the Network Supervising Scientist,

engage, collaborate and consult with other disciplines of Territory Pathology and externally including government, institutional

and industry partners where appropriate.

1. Participate in research and development of processes as needed and approved by the discipline.
2. Independently plan and carry out routine and ad hoc data analyses required for the fulfilment of laboratories obligations to the

Department of Health, and other external clients.

4. Ensure all work is completed in a timely manner and meeting required turnaround times.

5. Foster a positive workplace culture through exemplary practices and role modelling behaviour, adhering to the Public Sector

Code of Conduct and Territory Pathology values.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. A postgraduate qualification in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or a related field is desirable (either MSc or PhD).

2. Ability to validate bioinformatics pipelines, demonstrating initiative and the ability to work in a self-directed manner.

3. Demonstrable understanding and experience working on the command line with standard bioinformatics tools such as samtools,

bwa, bedtools, blast, clustalo, using large genome datasets including capacity to manage and troubleshoot on multiple platforms.

4. Experience with coding languages such as bash, python, and R is desirable.

5. Superior time management, analytical and organisational skills allowing prioritisation, problem solving and timely, accurate

completion of tasks.

6. Personal Attributes: Demonstrated initiative and adaptability by listening to ideas and actions proposed by others. Makes

decisions that are fair equitable and transparent without personal bias. Promotes a positive working environment by providing

and accepting constructive feedback. Critically analyses own performance, identifying strengths and weaknesses by actively

seeking feedback from supervisors, peers and direct reports. Proactively seeks guidance and coaching when required.

Further information

Positions may be subject to pre-employment checks such as immunisation status, working with children clearance notice and

criminal history checks. A criminal history will not exclude an applicant from this position unless it is a relevant criminal history. For

immunisation requirements - Category A (direct contact with blood or body substances) or Category B (indirect contact with blood

or body substances), check with contact person for requirements.