• Role Type: 12-month full time contract
  
• Salary: $107,589– $125,931 p.a plus super

The opportunity

We're looking for a talented Clinical R&D Bioinformatician to join our team and play a pivotal role in advancing genomic technologies and clinical testing. As part of one of Australia’s leading translational teams, you’ll work at the forefront of genomics, supporting the development of new assays, optimising existing tests, and improving patient outcomes globally.

As a Clinical R&D Bioinformatician, you’ll collaborate closely with the Head of Clinical Bioinformatics the R&D team at VCGS, and the Sequencing Services and Development Platform team. Guided by the Head of Clinical Bioinformatics and the team’s senior R&D Bioinformatician, you will gain valuable experience in cutting edge technologies, along with understanding of the regulatory environment and translational challenges. You will contribute also as a core Clinical Bioinformatics team member, playing a role in supporting existing operational test and ongoing service improvement activities. This is your opportunity to contribute to the future of genomic diagnostics, influencing how genomic testing is delivered both in Australia and around the world.

Please note that as a critical service delivering life changing healthcare support, there may be some occasions when out of hours work is required in this role.

Your responsibilities include:

• Work collaboratively with laboratory staff and MCRI researchers to understand their needs and develop and document suitable requirements
• Evaluation of genomic technologies, including raw data analysis, exploratory analysis, summarisation of findings and writing of evaluation reports
• Development of quality control, reporting and interpretation support tools
• Implementation and execution of approaches for validation and accreditation, under guidance from VCGS experts
• Development of bioinformatic pipelines using pipeline workflow languages
• Education and training to upskill wider staff in understanding new technologies
• Implementation of unit tests, functional tests and end to end workflow tests
• Broader software maintenance of operational systems, applications and integrations
• Documentation of systems and methodologies applied

What we need from you

• An advanced degree (Masters or PhD), or substantial equivalent experience in Bioinformatics or closely related field
• Strong data analysis skills and understanding of the principles behind machine learning and statistical testing
• Demonstrated experience in analysing next generation sequencing data
• Knowledge of underlying methods and sequencing technologies
• Experience / understanding of modern best practice methods for software development
• Familiarity with common workflow languages used to develop bioinformatics pipelines (eg: Nextflow, WDL, Bpipe, Snakemake)
• Knowledge of Unix, bash scripting, command line operations and containerisation technologies
• Strong knowledge of one or more core programming languages required in the role, including Python, Java/Groovy, Typescript or related languages
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new technologies and programming languages
• Broader software engineering knowledge and skills (eg: front end development skills) are advantageous
• Experience / knowledge of clinical genomic testing is highly advantageous

For full viewing of responsibilities and requirements please refer to the position description.

Any specific questions related to this position should be directed to Simon Sadedin at [email protected].

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.
• Direct Patient Impact: Contribute to life-changing outcomes for patients with rare genetic disorders.
• Cutting-Edge Genomics: Work with the latest genomic technologies at the forefront of the field.
• Collaborate with Experts: Join a multidisciplinary team of global leaders in clinical bioinformatics and R&D.
• Shape Clinical Genomics: Help drive innovations that influence both Australian and global healthcare.
• Diverse & Challenging Projects: Tackle complex problems across genomic technologies and bioinformatics pipelines.

Who we are

The Victorian Clinical Genetics Service (VCGS), a not-for-profit subsidiary of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), offers integrated genetic testing, diagnostics, and counselling globally. Our experts collaborate closely to ensure accurate interpretation of complex genetic tests. VCGS is actively involved in driving translational research, policy development, and fostering an inclusive and positive working environment that values diversity and prioritises equal opportunities for all. We are dedicated to developing our staff and creating a culture centred on respect and continuous learning.

We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.

Join Us!

If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply by clicking "Apply Now" and submitting:

• Your resume
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.

We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier-free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.

For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment team at [email protected]. Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line. Please refrain from sharing your application to this email address.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

No recruitment agencies please.

Position Description