The Yazar Lab focuses on uncovering the complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers in autoimmune diseases. To address the significant biological variation between individuals, we specialise in molecular disease subtyping. This approach utilises single-cell multi-omics, deep immunophenotyping, and advanced bioinformatics to identify the distinct biological "signatures" that define unique disease subsets. By decoding how genetic risk and external triggers—such as viral infections—converge, we seek to understand the mechanisms behind disease progression and why clinical outcomes differ so vastly between patients. The incumbent will work on the first phase of the Open-Coast-to-Coast Australian Multiple Sclerosis Consortium genomics data and will have the opportunity to: Drive discoveries at the intersection of host genetics and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. This research determines how their interaction reprograms the immune system to trigger the onset of Multiple Sclerosis. Lead analytical components enabling first-author or joint first-author publications within the defined projects. Work within a well-established project with substantial collaborations. The goal of the Yazar Lab is precision biomarker discovery to move beyond "one-size-fits-all" treatments. By validating these markers, we aim to provide clinicians with the tools needed to tailor therapies to each patient’s unique biological profile. THE OPPORTUNITY This role is classified as a Research Officer Level 1 (RO1). The incumbent will conduct original research under limited supervision and is expected to drive independent contributions to manuscripts and lead data-driven discoveries. The primary purpose is to provide statistical genetics and computational biology expertise to research projects focused on autoimmune disease. The incumbent will be responsible for managing large datasets, applying and optimising bioinformatics pipelines, and conducting statistical analysis of multi- omic data. Salary: Up to $ 102 ,0 00 14% super salary packaging (depending on experience) Employment Type: 2 year fixed- term contract with possibility to extend SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses $2,650 meals/ accom ) Ample opportunities for on-going training and development Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave Discounted Health Insurance Lifestyle discounts with our community partners WHAT YOU WILL DO The key responsibilities include: Design and execute computational research tasks and analytical plans focused on autoimmune disease biology. Manage, clean, process, and organise large-scale high-throughput biological datasets (e.g., WGS, single cell expression and chromatin accessibility data) to ensure quality and integrity. Develop, maintain , and execute existing bioinformatics pipelines and computational methods in a high-performance computing (HPC) environment. Contribute to scientific reporting by preparing initial data visualisations, reports, and summaries of findings for presentation and discussion. Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of analysis methods, code, and results to ensure reproducibility. Contribute to improvements in techniques, quantitative methods and quality control. Complete research projects in an efficient and timely manner, with outcomes published in peer-reviewed journals. Contribute to team-based and institute-wide research projects. Present original research at national scientific conferences, and as invited to seminars locally and/or nationally. Co-supervise and mentor students and junior research staff under guidance of the Lab Head Comply with Garvan’s workplace policies (as amended from time to time) and especially Garvan’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy, including working in accordance with the WHS management system at all times, as safety is Garvan’s number one priority. A BOUT YOU The key skills and experience include: Key Technical Skills (Required for All Candidates): Computational Expertise: Extensive experience with bioinformatics, data science, and computational methods. Programming Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to program in relevant languages (e.g., Python, R) and experience working in a Linux/HPC command-line environment. Experience using version control for code development and reproducible research is highly desirable. Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving skills and experience with statistical methods relevant to large biological datasets. Expertise in statistical genetics and analyses of single-cell and genomics data (e.g., QC of single-cell transcriptomics, differential expression, single-cell molecular QTL mapping, and colocalisation analysis). Experience with ML/AI algorithms for biological discovery is highly regarded. Domain Knowledge: Solid knowledge of statistics, molecular biology, genomics, and/or immunology is highly desirable. Professional Skills: Have a strong commitment to continuous delivery of high-quality work within set deadlines, excellent communication skills for written reports and oral presentations, and demonstrate a capacity to work collaboratively with researchers across laboratories. Demonstrate capability of writing for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals. Have excellent project management and organisation skills. ABOUT GARVAN Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision . We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s . Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and o ur enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome. We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease. Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add ’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively. H OW TO APPLY To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.
