Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity
Sydney Medical School – Westmead
Reference no. 579/0317 

• Join an organisation that encourages progressive thinking
• Be valued for your exceptional knowledge and experience in pathogen genomics
• Full-time fixed term for three years; further offers possible dependent upon funding and need

About the opportunity 

The Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity (MBI) is a multidisciplinary, multi-faculty Institute with members based on the University of Sydney's Westmead, Camperdown and Camden campuses.  Its goal is to reduce the impact of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases on human and animal health. The institute combines research, educational and policy development strengths in clinical infectious diseases, epidemiology, public health microbiology, animal health, social sciences, media studies and biosecurity, together with a strong record of development and capacity building in the Asia-Pacific.

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to perform primary research on the genomics and bioinformatics of human fungal disease including the evolution of antifungal resistance leading to new diagnostics and prognostics for clinical and public health application. You will utilise state-of-the-art genomic and meta-genomic techniques to determine the fungal cause of human infectious disease. In particular, you will utilize bulk DNA and RNA shotgun sequencing, including RNA-Seq based techniques, as well as ITS 1 & 2 amplicon-based sequencing, to reveal the fungal composition of human clinical samples, and determine correlates with antifungal resistance. You will link with genomics, bioinformatics and mycology researchers across the University of Sydney and at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and with the translational research group in the NSW Pathogenomics Unit located in the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead. The position will be based at the Westmead Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. We see the importance in recruiting talent aligned to these values in the pursuit of research excellence. We are looking for a dedicated researcher who has:

• research experience in next-generation sequencing, metagenomics and bioinformatics
• a track record in pathogen genomics and bioinformatics
• demonstrated ability to conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision either independently or as a member of a team
• high level oral and written communication skills
• evidence of an ability to work both independently and co-operatively with others, and to provide leadership
• a PhD in biomedical science, genomics or bioinformatics experience commensurate with appointment at Research Fellow level
• previous experience in collaborative research programmes (desirable).

About us

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion, and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across 9 campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 47,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

For more information on the position and University, please view the candidate information pack available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number to apply.

Closing date: 11pm 10 May 2017

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

If we think your skills are needed in other areas of the University, we will be sure to contact you about other opportunities.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.