Research Fellow - Vector Genomics

Job No.: 594587

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 12 month fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: $68,040 - $92,343 pa Level A (plus 9.5% employer superannuation)

• Work with a world recognised organisation within Monash University
• Contribute to a global not-for-profit effort to eliminate infectious diseases
• Take your career to exciting, rewarding directions

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a global non-profit initiative that calls Monash University home. The Institute of Vector-Borne Disease (IVBD) is collaborating with the World Mosquito Program (WMP) to protect countries around the world from mosquito-borne viruses that threaten the health of people living in tropical and subtropical regions. The WMP uses safe and natural bacteria called Wolbachia to reduce the ability of mosquitoes to transmit diseases including dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Following many years of laboratory research and field trials, the WMP now operates in 12 countries and is expanding. The IVBD seeks to build upon this with a genetic research and surveillance program that can quantify the impact of Wolbachia rollout on vector, human and pathogen populations, and can provide insights into the natural epidemiology of vector-borne diseases.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a talented Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a new group at the Institute of Vector Borne Disease at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. In the Vector and Pathogen Genomics group we apply omics tools to vectors, viruses and parasites in order to better understand disease transmission and develop tools for disease surveillance and control. Specific interests of the group include population structure and speciation in mosquito vectors, pathogen diversity and relatedness, pathogen-vector interactions and genomic epidemiology.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to investigate genomic rearrangement and mobile element insertion in Aedes aegypti and its effect on gene flow in wild populations; a subject of prime interest to the success of population replacement interventions and the specific work of the WMP. The precise path for this study will depend on the skills and interests of the candidate, but are likely to include genomic investigations of current mosquito colonies and colony crosses, novel sequencing of wild populations, and the development of statistical and computational analyses of mosquito genomes. 

The role would suit either a computational biologist looking to work in an important field of infectious disease research, or an experienced entomologist who would like to pursue a postdoc in a computational field. Researchers with previous experience in statistical / population genetics or genomic evolution in insect species are encouraged to apply. This position is fully funded for two years with the possibility of extension and offers opportunity for development of an independent research program through development of new projects and acquisition of independent funding.

As the role is in a rapidly developing institute and platform, the role would suit somebody independent and resourceful who is adept at quickly build effective working relationships with a range of local and international project partners, multi-disciplinary colleagues and key stakeholders.

This role is a full-time position; however, flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.

At Monash University, we are committed to being a Child Safe organisation. Some roles at the University will require the incumbent to hold a valid Working with Children Check.

Your application must address the selection criteria. Please refer to "How to apply for Monash Jobs".

Please address Key Selection Criteria 1 and 2 only within your application. 

Enquiries

Dr Seth Redmond, Senior Research Fellow, seth.redmond@monash.edu

Position Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific duties required of a Level A research-only academic may include:

1. The conduct of research under limited supervision either as a member of a team or, where appropriate, independently and the production or contribution to the production of conference and seminar papers and publications from that research

2. Involvement in professional activities including attendance at conferences and seminars in the field of expertise

3. Limited administrative functions primarily connected with the area of research of the academic

4. Development of a limited amount of research-related material for teaching or other purposes with appropriate guidance from other staff

5. Occasional contributions to teaching in relation to their research project(s)

6. Experimental design and operation of advanced laboratory and technical equipment or conduct of advanced research procedures

7. Attendance at meetings associated with research or the work of the organisational unit to which the research is connected and/or at departmental, school and/or faculty meetings and/or membership of a limited number of committees

8. Advice within the field of the staff member's research to postgraduate students

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Education/Qualifications

1. The appointee will have:

· Doctoral qualifications in the relevant discipline or a closely related field Knowledge and Skills

2. Experience generating, analysing and interpreting genomic data, preferably including work on population genetics or genomic association studies; OR Significant experience with vector / dipteran / infectious disease research and a desire to pursue research in a computational field.

3. Demonstrated analytical and manuscript preparation skills including a track record of refereed research publications

4. Ability to solve complex problems by using discretion, innovation and the exercise diagnostic skills and/or expertise

5. Well-developed planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and set and meet deadlines

6. Excellent written communication and verbal communication skills with proven ability to produce clear, succinct reports and documents

7. A demonstrated awareness of the principles of confidentiality, privacy and information handling

8. A demonstrated capacity to work in a collegiate manner with other staff in the workplace

9. Demonstrated computer literacy and proficiency in the production of high-level work using software such as Microsoft Office applications and specified University software programs, with the capability and willingness to learn new packages as appropriate

OTHER JOB RELATED INFORMATION

· Travel to other campuses of the University and international locations will be required

· There may be a requirement to work additional hours from time to time

· There may be peak periods of work during which taking of leave may be restricted

Closing Date

Tuesday 10 September, 11:55 pm AEST