Up to 3 year full time contract based in DarwinAbout Menzies:Menzies School of Health Research is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving Indigenous, global and tropical health. Menzies has a history of over 30 years of scientific discovery and public health achievement. Menzies works at the frontline, joining with partners across the Asia-Pacific as well as Indigenous communities across Northern and Central Australia.About the position:The Global and Tropical Health (GTH) Division is committed to tackling key areas of public health concern, including malaria, tuberculosis, Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and bacterial infections that impact on the health and wellbeing of people and communities across northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Since 2010 GTH has established an ongoing zoonotic malaria research program in Malaysia and more recently Indonesia, with a particular focus on the emerging monkey parasite Plasmodium knowlesi, now a major public health concern in Southeast Asia.The Bioinformatician position will collaboratively work with and be supervised through the recently expanded Menzies GTH genomics/bioinformatics group, in addition to an international team of co-investigators at James Cook University (JCU) and the Wellcome Sanger Institute to examine zoonotic malaria transmission in Indonesia and Malaysia. This role will be part of a successful NHMRC funded project entitled ‘Parasite and human genetic risk factors for emerging Plasmodium knowlesi malaria’. The project will develop and modify appropriate genomic tools to use cutting-edge approaches to simultaneously explore parasite, host and host-parasite interactions, aiming to identify novel P. knowlesi and human loci underlying the risk of infection and disease. In addition, regional P. knowlesi population genetic analyses will explore the factors contributing to the complex and evolving dynamics of zoonotic malaria transmission. The proposed research activities are the culmination of years of fieldwork and an unprecedented number of samples, including detailed clinical phenotypes and a broad array of potentially integrative datasets involving geospatial land-types, ecological, and mosquito vector co-variates.The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting in the design, implementation and data analysis of the above study, including engagement with relevant project scientists, post-graduate students, and key stakeholders. They will also be encouraged to pursue independent research interests/projects, including opportunities through the following current projects: (a) ‘Evaluating zoonotic malaria transmission between agricultural activities and agricultural and forestry land use in Indonesia (ZOOMAL)’ (b) State-wide human surveillance of P. knowlesi malaria in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and, (c) the Malaysian Armed Forces cohort study (ZOMAC) also conducted in Sabah.The position is based in Darwin, with extended time in Cairns at JCU, and the potential for time at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK. Opportunities for mentoring and networking with others outside the Northern Territory working in relevant genomics programs will be fostered by relevant supervisors, including through formal post-doctoral support and mentoring programs at Menzies. Interstate and international travel may be required.The Bioinformatician will:Lead relevant data analyses, manuscript preparation and/or contribution to other relevant manuscripts, and dissemination of research findings/outputs.Work with the relevant project investigators, team members, and external collaborators in genomic and genetic epidemiology analyses on P. knowlesi and other malaria species.Preparation and management of ethics applications relevant to the research program.Work with the project data manager in the design, maintenance and supervision of relevant project databases.Engage with stakeholders and academics relevant to building research capability.Advise the Menzies/CDU bioinformatics system administrator in the further development of computational infrastructure to build upon on-site genomics capability.With support from the Business Manager and Corporate Services, and the relevant Project Manager, contribute to the administration of the research program/s including advising on project budgets, and assisting in relevant scientific work reporting and financial acquittals.Co-supervision or where appropriate, supervision of post graduate research projects within the field of research expertise.Contribute to the preparation of research proposal submissions to relevant funding bodies.Contribute to the development of a strong Menzies research community, including research seminar series, research ideas workshops and Menzies 2021 initiatives.The successful applicant will have:PhD in a relevant bioinformatics / pathogen genomics field.Excellent publication record related to bioinformatics/genomics.Demonstrated record of impact, as demonstrated by citations and engagement with industry, government or NGOs, with respect to peer-researchers in the field.Demonstrated competence coding and documenting with python and R.Proven experience with the software, tools and databases for analyzing next-generation sequencing data.Proven ability to work with others as an integral member of a team, and to effectively engage with senior genomics collaborators and people from diverse locations, cultures and institutions.Solutions focused and demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical and process challenges.Excellent communication and organizational skills, and experience supervising students and post-doctoral researchers.Ability to install and utilise bioinformatic software on relevant computational platforms.Contact: Dr Matthew Grigg via email matthew.grigg@menzies.edu.auWhat we offer:6 weeks annual leaveOption to increase super to 14%Attractive salary package and benefits $122,215 - $142,011 pa salary package (comprising gross salary $96,834 - $113,503 pa, superannuation and salary packaging benefits.Closing date: Sunday, 25 October 2020Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.For information on how to apply for this position and to obtain the Position Description and Selection Criteria please visit www.menzies.edu.au/careers or phone 08 8946 8626. PD_Bioinformatician_P. Knowlesi Malaria AUDDarwin