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The laboratory has pioneered a mounting body of evidence that somatic mutations   in “rogue clones” of B and/or T cells are a key step in the pathogenesis of   autoimmune diseases, allowing these cells to evade normal checkpoints that   maintain   self-tolerance. Until recently, technologies for   identifying   somatic mutations   in single lymphocytes had limited accuracy and sensitivity, limiting the discovery of   driver mutations to a subset of autoimmune diseases characterised by unusually   large “rogue clones ”.   New single cell DNA and RNA sequencing technologies,   coupled with fluorescent cell sorting and robotic processing of hundreds of   lymphocytes, now make it possible to reveal the complete landscape of somatic   mutations across the genome of   very small   clones of cells in blood or biopsy   samples. We are therefore looking to expand the program using these   new technologies   to a   range of common “polyclonal” autoimmune diseases characterised by   numerous   small clones of B or T cells recognising the driver   auto antigens in these diseases. This   cellular and genomic work is paired with a clinical trials program that translates our   findings into rationally designed clinical trials. THE OPPORTUNITY This role is being created within the Goodnow Lab at Garvan to lead projects and   experimental work with single cell RNA and whole genome sequencing aimed at   deepening our understanding of the role of somatic mutations in the pathogenesis of   human autoimmune disease. The role will work closely with an interdisciplinary team at Garvan, across Sydney,   nationally and internationally comprising state-of-the-art core facilities for spectral   flow cytometr ic   sorting ,   single cell   DNA /RNA   library   preparation and   sequencing,   computational analysis of   immunoglobulin and T cell receptor genes, computational analysis of gene   expression patterns, computational analysis of somatic mutations, synthesis   and s tructural/immunochemical analysis of recombinant antibodies, and experts in the   clinical evaluation and treatment of diverse autoimmune diseases. Salary:   Up to $1 28 , 0 00   + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience) Employment Type:   2 - year   fixed- term contract with possibility to extend SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS • Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/ accom ) • Ample opportunities   for on-going training and development • Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment • Flexible work arrangements   e.g. start / finish times • 18 weeks paid parental leave   for both parents including paid superannuation • A range of   additional   leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community   service   and study leave • Discounted Health Insurance • Lifestyle discounts with our community partners WHAT YOU WILL DO ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This position will   be responsible for   providing direction and leadership in our   immunogenomic program and undertaking primary research in laboratory   immunology. This will include: • Selection   of autoimmune diseases for project development, experimental   design and application of fluorescent sorting and single cell   DNA /RNA   sequencing methods under the supervision of Professor Goodnow. • Undertaking and directing primary research on samples from patients with   human autoimmune diseases. Key experimental platforms include spectral   flow cytometry, single cell index sorting into 384 well plates, single cell   RNAseq , single cell whole genome sequencing, histology, autoantibody   expression   and testing for self-reactivity. • Preparation of research proposals for competitive funding bodies, such as   NHMRC, MRFF and NIH, as either lead or co-investigator. • Development and refining of research projects for junior staff and students. • Day-to-day management and supervision of junior staff and students. • Contributing to the growth and productivity of the lab by proposing,   participating   and overseeing the design,   development   and validation of new assays, and   fostering collaborative efforts with other labs,   organisations   and companies. • Staying abreast on advances in antibody/TCR repertoire analysis,   genomics   and single cell sequencing technology in general,   maintaining   knowledge   about human immune testing and personalised medicine. • All staff   are required to   comply with   Garvan’s Work Health & Safety (WHS)   Policy and work   in accordance with   the WHS management system at all times. • Other duties as assigned. A BOUT YOU KNOWLEDGE,   SKILLS   AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED The key skills and experience of a Research Officer include: • PhD degree that has been undertaken in a related area of science, preferably   molecular   immunology   or genomics. • Extensive experience in key methods including flow cytometry and analysis, cell   sorting, single-cell sequencing,   RNAseq , whole genome sequencing, PCR, in- vitro cell assays. • Experience in recombinant antibody expression and testing by ELISA is   preferable. • Experience in histology (immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence   microscopy) is preferable. • Ability to   operate   independently, develop and troubleshoot assays. • PhD and/or postdoctoral research experience leading to publication of   high   quality   first author and/or senior author and multi-author papers. • Commitment to scientific excellence and integrity. • Experience training and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students. • Ability to develop, manage and   maintain   internal and external collaborations and   relationships. • Highly developed skills in facilitation and meeting leadership. • Highly developed written and verbal communications skills. • Strong project management skills. ABOUT GARVAN Garvan Institute of Medical Research   is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI)   in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision . We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded   MRI’s . Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to   impact   and o ur enduring purpose is to   impact   human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome. We   seek   to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease. Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add ’,   not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively. H OW TO APPLY To apply for this position, please   submit   your application with a CV and cover letter as one document,   stating   why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think   you’re   the right person for this role,   we’d   love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.