Research Technician

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

An opportunity exists for a Research Technician to join the Bioinformatics Division to provide technical and organisational support for research conducted in the Bahlo Statistical Genetics Laboratory.

The laboratory is focused on the discovery of disease causing mutations in families and population studies using statistical analysis methods applied to modern, high throughput, data such as next generation sequencing and SNP chip data. The lab develops and maintains software to perform such analyses, applying these methods to a variety of collaborative research projects in diseases such as epilepsy, autism, brain malformation disorders and deafness.

The research technician will be required to perform linkage and next generation sequencing analyses under supervision, organize lab meetings, maintain web pages, and help in preparing material for papers and grants.

The appointee should have a B.Sc or B.E. (Hons) or Masters or equivalent degree. Majors in disciplines such as Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics or Engineering are encouraged to apply. Training will occur on the job. However applicants must be genuinely interested in biology, particularly genetics to learn bioinformatics.

Applicants need to have strong computing skills. Familiarity with UNIX based operating systems and at least one programming language; such as C or PERL are requirements. Applicants should also have strong numerical analysis skills. Statistical analysis experience, especially with large data sets, will be highly regarded, as will analysis experience in R.

Enthusiasm to learn new techniques will also be required. Applicants are expected to have good written and oral communication skills. Applicants are expected to write reports and contribute to lab meetings and meetings with collaborators.

The position is available for 2 years. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. Up to 17% superannuation and generous salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries can be directed to Dr Melanie Bahlo bahlo@wehi.edu.au

A position description statement is available on our website http://www.wehi.edu.au

Applications including CV and the names of 2 professional referees should be emailed to jobapplications@wehi.edu.au quoting reference 'WEHI/VL'.

Closing Date: 1st October 2011.