Bioinformatics Scientist – Department of Defence

Bioinformatics Scientist – Department of Defence (The position has been filled)

• Suitable for a Recent Graduate with Bioinformatics Experience
• Provide Bioinformatics Support in Detection of Biological Agents
• Rare Opportunity to Work with Australia’s top Scientists

THE CLIENT

The Defence Science and Technology Group is part of the Australian Department of Defence dedicated to providing science and technology support for Australia’s defence and national security needs. DST Group is a national leader in safeguarding Australia by delivering valued scientific advice and innovative solutions for Defence and national security.

 

THE ROLE

DSTG requires a Bioinformatics Scientist to contribute by providing support to Biological Detection Team, a part of the Chemical and Biological Agent Detection and Protection Group which is located at DST Group’s Fishermans Bend site in Melbourne. The Team conducts research and provides advice to the Australian Defence Force regarding the detection of biological agents using a variety of platforms and technologies. Specifically, the team is developing methods utilising next-generation DNA sequencing technology to detect and identify biological agents in a variety of samples.

The work will involve undertaking the evaluation of field sequencing kits compared to the routinely used kits, to sequence bacterial samples.

This is a full-time contract role that is initially until 29 May 2020. Under the terms of the contract with DST Group, there is the possibility for an extension of up to 12 months, which could see the successful candidate providing bioinformatics support until 29 May 2021.

Some of the tasks associated with this role include, but are not limited to:

• Assess bacterial whole-genome coverage at different time points following the start of sequencing, to determine if the time-to-answer can be reduced to generate complete high-confidence genome sequences
• Determine the level of consensus accuracy attainable for de novo assembly using only MinION data generated from both the Rapid and Field library kits
• Assist in building up a capability in hybrid assembly using both Illumina MiSeq and MinION data
• Perform experimental analyses of developed methods using blinded samples
• Contribute to writing reports as required

The nature of this project-based work shall necessitate the successful candidate being comfortable wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) based upon the task being undertaken.

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be considered for this opportunity you MUST BE AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN and also be prepared to undergo AGSVA screening to obtain your Baseline Security Clearance.

Additionally, shortlisted candidates will have ensured they address the following selection criteria:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s or honours degree in Biological Science, with experience in Bioinformatics or demonstrated work experience
• Previous experience with long read assembly and QC tools for bacterial genome analysis
• Knowledge of hybrid assembly of bacterial genomes using both long and short-read sequencing data
• Understanding of the wet lab component of MinION sequencing
• Ability to troubleshoot sequencing data and develop proficiency in using new tools as required

Excellent planning and organisational skills with an ability to work independently or part of a small team under general direction

MUST be Willing to Undergo Negative Vetting Security Clearance.

Tailored selection criteria, which shall require a formal written response, will only be sent to those applicants whose applications have been reviewed and deemed suitable for undergoing consideration for shortlisting to attend an initial interview.

 

APPLICATIONS

For a confidential discussion about this exciting opportunity to work as part of a team at DST Group, please contact us during our office hours on 03 9516 0100. For after-hours enquiries, simply send an SMS to Dan 0415 573 220 or Jo 0411 197 171 for them to call you back.

In any communications relating to this opportunity, kindly cite the following job reference:

BIOINF0120

To apply for this role, please click the ‘Apply for this job‘ button then send your current resume and a covering letter to CS Executive Group.

 

THANK YOU

CS Executive Group would like to thank you in advance for your time spent applying for this role.

Unfortunately, due to the large volume of resumes submitted to us on a daily basis, we are unable to acknowledge each application we receive. Only individuals receiving further consideration for their suitability for shortlisting as candidates will be contacted by our recruitment team.

Accordingly, if you are unsuccessful on this occasion, please note your resume will remain on file within our Talent Pool database—thus you may be contacted for other roles in the future.