"Academic Specialist in Bioinformatics"

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 2 years

Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Department: Microbiology and Immunology

Salary: Level A - $85,555 - $116,094 per annum (pro rata for part-time)

• Translate metagenomics to public health / Work with cutting-edge genomic technologies / Join a leading microbiology team
• Apply now to pioneer metagenomics applications in public health microbiology
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

As an Academic Specialist in Bioinformatics at the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory (MDU PHL), you'll lead the development of bioinformatics workflows for metagenomics and microbiome testing. You'll translate cutting-edge technologies from research settings into robust clinical applications, working closely with the MDU Genomics team and Metagenomics working group. This role offers you the chance to make a significant impact on public health microbiology while advancing your skills in a supportive, innovative environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop Bioinformatics Workflows: Create comprehensive, automated workflows for metagenomics and microbiome testing, ensuring they meet laboratory needs and NATA accreditation standards.
• Conduct Validation Studies: Plan and execute validation studies to optimise metagenomics and microbiome testing performance, analysing and documenting results to NATA/ISO specifications.
• Contribute to Research: Participate in translational research projects in microbiome and metagenomics fields, particularly as applied to public health.
• Collaborate and Communicate: Work closely with the MDU Genomics team and Metagenomics Working Group, presenting findings and contributing to discussions.

You may be a great fit if:

You are a skilled bioinformatician with experience in genomic sequence data analysis, proficiency in workflow languages, and a strong interest in microbial genomics and public health, ready to work in a service-oriented environment.

You may also:

• Have a Masters or equivalent qualification in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field.
• Possess demonstrable experience with genome sequence data, bioinformatics tools, and large genome datasets.
• Be proficient in a workflow system such as Nextflow or Snakemake.
• Have verifiable experience with programming languages like Python or R.
• Demonstrate excellent troubleshooting skills and the ability to work in a UNIX environment.
• Have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program
• Comprehensive career development and training, plus a 25% discount on UniMelb graduate courses for your immediate family members!

For more information check out our benefits page!

Join Us and unlock your career potential!

Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria

For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Nick Petersen via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject.

Applications close: Thursday 11 September 2025 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone