An exciting opportunity is available for outstanding applicants with experience in analysing next-generation sequencing data. This position may be filled by either a postdoctoral fellow or a research fellow depending on experience of the applicant. In this role, you will be based at the Epilepsy Research Group at the University of Otago, Wellington, where you will manage epilepsy genetic bioinformatics research projects focusing on the analysis of next-generation sequencing data from family and cohort studies.
Who we are
The Epilepsy Research Group is a high-calibre national epilepsy genetics project with over 2000 individuals participating from around New Zealand. The Epilepsy Research Group is committed to improving the quality of life for children with epilepsy and their families. Our main research focus is understanding the clinical and molecular genetics of the epilepsies.
The group has strong ties with world-leading scientists in Melbourne at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) and the Epilepsy Research Centre, University of Melbourne.
About the role
This position will manage a portfolio of epilepsy genetic bioinformatics research projects within the Epilepsy Research Group at the University of Otago, Wellington (UOW) (
https://www.otago.ac.nz/epilepsy/index.html). The role focuses on the analysis of next-generation short and long read whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing data. The data is generated from people with epilepsy and their family members who are participating in this national Epilepsy Research Project. Professor Sadleir is a physician scientist (Paediatric Epileptologist) and director of this research group. The participants in this project are extensively phenotyped by Professor Sadleir who will advise on phenotypes and result interpretation.
The successful applicant will be supervised by Professor Sadleir and have strong connections with Professor Melanie Bahlo from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) in Melbourne (
https://www.wehi.edu.au/people/melanie-bahlo). Professor Bahlo's highly respected lab has a focus on the bioinformatics of neurogenetic diseases. Although primarily located in Wellington, the successful fellow will have an affiliation with the WEHI as a visiting scientist to the institute. They may travel to Melbourne up to twice a year. The bioinformatics analysis will be performed using Professor Bahlo's established analysis pipelines and software when in Melbourne and accessed remotely while in Wellington.
Your skills and experience
• Experience in the analysis of next-generation sequencing data, ideally including whole genome sequencing.
• Ability to maintain and develop data analysis pipelines.
• Ability to organise and manage multiple sub-studies, which proceed in variable time frames.
• Ability to work in a team.
• A strong desire to develop and learn new techniques and contribute to the research group.
• A keen interest in epilepsy genetics.
• High level of academic productivity and professionalism.
• A PhD in a quantitative discipline such as computational biology, statistics, mathematics, computer science
• Experience in scripting (shell, Perl and/or Python), R programming and post analysis interpretation, as well as report writing and discussion of research results.
Further details
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years.
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.
The appointment range for a Research Fellow is $82,416 to $98,571 and Postdoctoral Fellow is $77,793.
Application
In your cover letter please make it clear which level (postdoc fellow or research fellow) you feel, based on your experience, you should be appointed at. Please address specifically, with examples, how you fulfil each of the essential and desired key selection criteria stated in the postdoctoral or research fellow (which ever level you are applying for) job description. Please also state why you are interested in the position.
Applications quoting reference number 2100814 will close on Wednesday, 30 June 2021.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
To view all current vacancies and to apply online go to:
https://otago.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=2100814Equal opportunity in employment is University policy.
E tautoko ana Te Whare Wananga o Otago i te kaupapa whakaorite whiwhinga mahi.
