Research Fellow - Vector Genomics

Research Fellow - Vector Genomics

Job No.: 610469

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration:  12-month Fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: Level A ($69,401 - $94,190) plus 9.5% super. Please note - as a postdoctoral role the minimum commencing salary for the candidate will be $87,746 + 9.5% 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-vector interactions, genomic evolution, 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 currently held mosquito colonies, population genetics studies, and novel sequencing of wild populations, and statistical and computational analyses of mosquito genomes. 

The role would suit a computational biologist / geneticist looking to work in an important field of infectious disease research. Researchers with previous experience in population genetics, or genomic evolution in dipteran species are encouraged to apply. This position is funded for one year with the likelihood of extension and offers the 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 fixed term position; however, flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.

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

Your application must address the selection criteria #1-3. For instructions on how to apply, please refer to “How to apply for Monash Jobs”.

Enquiries

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

Position Description

Research Fellow

Closing Date

Tuesday 20 October 2020 11:55 pm AEST