Note: applications have now closed for this position

Laboratory Head - Bioinformatics

Applications Close: Sunday 14 June 2015, 5:00pm Eastern Australian Time

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) is Australia's pre-eminent biomedical research institute with over 950 scientists, postdoctoral fellows, technologists, post-graduate students and support staff. The institute has a strong history of significant discoveries of clinical importance and an outstanding international reputation. It nurtures a harmonious environment and has a strong emphasis on excellence, innovation and collaboration.

The WEHI is an equal opportunity employer and strives to be the employer of choice for scientists who are passionate about becoming independent laboratory heads.

The WEHI has a substantial bioinformatics research division that is well known internationally. Research leaders in the Division include Terry Speed, Gordon Smyth and Tony Papenfuss. The Division has had a major role in the development of well known Bioconductor packages such as limma, affy, edgeR, RUVSeq, marray and csaw.

The Bioinformatics Division is seeking a talented postdoctoral scientist embarking on their first laboratory head appointment, whose research interests focus on the development of new computational and statistical methods to improve the analysis of genomic data and on the analysis and interpretation of large-scale genomic datasets to facilitate biological discoveries.

Applications are especially welcomed from applicants whose research interests complement the existing interests of the Division and who are likely to collaborate with other scientists across the Institute.

The appointment will commence in 2016. The position is for a five-year period which is renewable and accountable to the Division Head.

General enquiries on the position can be directed to Professor Gordon Smyth (smyth@wehi.edu.au).

Terms of appointment

The institute aims to provide laboratory heads with the opportunity to succeed within the first five years of employment. We will provide a package that includes financial support for salaries and consumables, professional development and collaborations.

Working at the WEHI provides a number of benefits including salary packaging, flexible working hours and family-friendly meeting times.

Gender equity

The institute is aware of the difficulties women face in transitioning from postdoctoral scientist to laboratory head. We have implemented a number of gender equity initiatives to support female laboratory heads.

Institute life

The WEHI is a strong community of researchers, students, and professional service staff who work towards achieving discoveries that improve human health. See notes on Institute life.

Melbourne is a major centre for business, cultural and sporting activities. The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked it the most liveable city.

How to apply

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the division head in which the vacancy exists to determine whether their skills and research interests are aligned. You should also discuss your requirements for financial support of research, laboratory space and level of appointment.

Applications should include a full CV, a one-page summary of research achievements, two-page summary of future research plans and contact details of three referees. Particular attention should be given to how your research will enhance the institute’s existing research programs.

Please submit your application to jobapplications@wehi.edu.au quoting the specific reference WEHI/MKBLH number in the subject line.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to present an hour-long seminar and speak with faculty members.