Senior Research Officer in Sydney

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading researchers and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to improve human health. Our mission is to harness all the information encoded in our genome to better diagnose, treat, predict and prevent disease.

We’re seeking a highly accomplished Senior Postdoctoral Researcher (3-year position) with deep expertise in functional genomics and molecular mechanisms to lead the next phase of our causal target validation program. This role sits at the interface of cutting‑edge genomic discovery, mechanistic biology, and translational therapeutic development.

The successful candidate will take these discoveries from statistical association to mechanistic validation, designing and executing experimental strategies, including CRISPR perturbations, single‑cell functional assays, and high‑throughput molecular readouts, to define causal genes, pathways, and regulatory mechanisms.

This is a well‑resourced, high‑momentum program with dedicated technical staff, access to state‑of‑the‑art cellular genomics platforms, and substantial collaborative and industry support.

The postdoc joining this program will have the opportunity to:

• Drive high‑impact discoveries in gene regulation, immune variation, disease mechanisms, and functional cell states.
• Lead work that directly enables first‑author publications, with multiple manuscripts already under review from Phase 1 of the study.
• Build and lead increasing functional capacity within the Powell Lab and broader Garvan ecosystem.
• Work closely with molecular research assistants and staff scientists to support experimental work.

To achieve this, we develop and integrate cutting‑edge experimental and computational platforms:

• Large‑cohort single‑cell genomics generating millions of profiles to map regulatory architecture across diverse individuals.
• iPSC “Village” systems and CRISPR perturbation to experimentally dissect and validate gene function in controlled, scalable cellular models.
• Advanced computational genomics, machine learning, and causal inference frameworks that link genetic variants to cellular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities.

We offer an environment that values:

• Scientific independence and creativity,
• Rigorous, reproducible research,
• Collaboration and mentorship, and
• Ambition to tackle big, long‑term scientific problems.

Salary: AU$124,300 – AU$131,900 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)

SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS

• Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay.
• 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement and develop advanced molecular functional techniques to understand the mechanisms and biological consequences of disease loci at cellular resolution.
• Process, analyse, and interpret functional genomic data to derive biologically meaningful insights.
• Work closely with researchers, bioinformaticians, immunologists, and other stakeholders to integrate findings into actionable strategies.
• Lead research papers, presentations at national and international conferences, and engage in other scholarly activities to share findings with the broader scientific community.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in computational biology, statistical genetics, and single‑cell genomics.
• Be involved in the recruitment and supervision of research assistants and students.

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience of a Senior Research Officer include:

• PhD in immunology, functional genomics, molecular biology, or a related discipline, with a publication record demonstrating strong experimental and conceptual expertise.
• Deep knowledge of human immune cell biology, including cellular differentiation, activation pathways, cytokine signalling, and immune effector functions.
• Hands‑on experience with immune functional assays, such as stimulation/activation assays, cytokine profiling, co‑culture systems, flow cytometry, intracellular staining, and readouts of immune cell state and function.
• Experience isolating and working with primary human immune cells, including culture, perturbation, and phenotyping.
• Ability to design mechanistic experiments that link genetic variation to immune regulatory pathways.
• Familiarity with single‑cell genomics, genome engineering, or high‑throughput molecular profiling.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with computational biologists.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and rigorous experimental discipline.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Motivation to learn new technologies.
• Familiarity with disease‑relevant immune models.
• Experience with high‑parameter flow cytometry or advanced immune phenotyping platforms.
• Experience integrating computational predictions into experimental strategy.
• Expertise in cell signalling and intracellular pathway analysis.
• Understanding of drug target biology, therapeutic mechanisms, or early‑stage translational discovery workflows.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Prior involvement in IP generation or technology development.
• Experience supervising junior researchers or technical staff.

Key Personal Attributes

• Collaborative mindset.
• Strong communication skills.
• Problem‑solving orientation.
• Attention to detail.
• Adaptability.
• Organised and reliable.
• Curiosity and initiative.
• Commitment to scientific excellence.

ABOUT GARVAN

Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision.