Postdoctoral Research Assistant. Statistical Genetics
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Statistical Genetics Group
Closing date: 7th June 2013 Location: (Melbourne) Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria
Work Type: Full-time
Classification: MCRI Research Scale ($75,404 - $80,939 p.a. plus superannuation and salary packaging benefits)
It is an extremely exciting time to be working in human genetics. The availability of large genetic data sets and the application of sophisticated statistical models and techniques has allowed scientists to answer important questions in biology and evolution that will have a direct impact on human health.
Applications are invited for a Post-doctoral Researcher to join the Statistical Genetics Group at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, headed by Dr Stephen Leslie. The group’s work focuses on methodological developments for the analysis of high throughput genetic data and the application of these methods to studies of disease and natural population variation. These methods typically combine modern computationally-intensive statistical approaches with insights from population genetics models. Specifically the group works on statistical methods for imputing immune system (and other) genes from incomplete genetic data; the application of these methods to studies of autoimmune and other diseases; methods for detecting and controlling for population stratification; and understanding the causes and consequences of genetic variation in populations. The group has strong established collaborations with the Donnelly and McVean groups at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics in Oxford.
The position involves working on problems at the cutting edge of human genetics, and represents an exciting opportunity for a statistical geneticist, or someone with a strong statistical background and skills wishing to move into this field. The successful applicant will work on developing statistical methods for detecting and controlling for population stratification, with particular focus on incorporating such methods into genetic (and in particular genome-wide) association studies. The appointee will also contribute to other research projects in statistical genetics as directed by the group leader. He/ she will be encouraged to develop his/ her independent research projects where appropriate.
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist, with a PhD in statistics or a closely related area. Applications are encouraged from people who can demonstrate a strong statistical or other quantitative background and wish to move into statistical genetics research. Ideally you will have experience of genetic analyses but this is not essential. You must have considerable programming experience with a low level language (e.g. C, C++) and preferably also with the statistical software R. The successful applicant will have an aptitude for visualizing data, problem solving and careful statistical analysis. You should be able to work alone and collaboratively, and be able to digest and communicate scientific ideas effectively. The position is available for two years with the possibility of extension.
For further information about the position please contact Dr Stephen Leslie (email: stephen.leslie@mcri.edu.au or telephone: +61 3 9345 7042). Please note that excellent candidates with a strong statistical background from any quantitative scientific discipline (e.g. physics, engineering, ...) are encouraged to apply.
Applications close at 9am Friday 7th June 2013. Late applications will not be considered.
REF: 724/2013
Please send written applications (in PDF format) addressing the Key Selection Criteria (see http://www.mcri.edu.au/careers-students/careers/current-vacancies/), Academic Transcripts, Cover Letter and CV containing details of 3 referees, quoting the above mentioned reference number to Human Resources via recruitment@mcri.edu.au.
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