"Research Associate in Computational Genomics"

Position Details

• Fixed Term for five years | Full Time
• Academic Level A | $88,842 - $107,666 pa plus 17% Super
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country / Australia
• View Position Description

About the Role

The Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration (FAME) is seeking a Research Associate in Computational Genomics to develop next-generation bioinformatics tools for genome and metagenome analysis. This position will leverage AI, protein language models, and structural predictions to annotate unknown phage and microbe proteins, and create HPC-optimised pipelines for large-scale biological datasets.

The Research Associate will:

• Design and implement high-performance workflows integrating GPU programming, deep learning, and large-scale data integration.
• Apply advanced methods such as ColabFold, ESM/ProtT5 embeddings, and neural network architectures to predict protein function.
• Collaborate with the Chief Investigator, students, and research partners to deliver impactful research outcomes.

About You

You are a motivated early career and emerging researcher with strong programming skills and a passion for AI-driven biology. You are eager to push the boundaries of large-scale genomic discovery in an innovative, collaborative environment.

As the successful candidate, you will demonstrate:

• Completion of, or significant progress towards, a PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field.
• Strong experience with Python, R, or C++ programming and high-performance computing (GPU/parallel workflows).
• A research track record including publications, presentations, or collaborative projects in bioinformatics or computational genomics.

About the Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration (FAME)

The Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration (FAME) is an exciting new research group at Flinders University, bringing together world-leading experts to push the boundaries of microbiome and metagenomics research. FAME works across disciplines to explore how microbial communities shape our world, offering hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and data analysis—an ideal environment for early-career researchers eager to make an impact.

Life at Flinders

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?

• Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide.
• Ninety per cent of Flinders research has been ranked at ‘world standard or above’ by Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders initiative
• Wide range of professional development activities, funds and services, such as Flinders University’s Researcher Development and Leadership Programs.
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

A valid National Police Certificate which is satisfactory to the University will also be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position.

How to Apply and Information

As well as a CV, you are required to submit a Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the Key Position Capabilities of the position description.

For more information regarding this position, we strongly encourage you to contact Professor Robert Edwards.

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACST) on Friday, 26 September 2025.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.