Research Officer

When you step into a role, what do you want the purpose of the company you work for to be? How does that align with the individual purpose that motivates your ambition?

As the only independent Medical Research institute in Australia focused on childhood cancer, our purpose is to translate and discover (through world class research), new treatments that will cure cancer and reduce the side effects in children and adolescents.

We save & change lives. At The Children’s Cancer Institute we believe that a life should be long. Cancer cuts life short for hundreds of children every year, before they’ve even had a chance to make their mark. We aim to not only improve their quality of life, but eradicate the cause of their pain.

Choose to be part of a team that will nurture your talent and grow your career, so you too can contribute to this purpose. Together, we can, and we will cure all children of cancer. It’s not if. It’s when.
The Genomic Childhood Cancer Risk team at the Children’s Cancer Institute investigates the genetic causes of childhood cancer. We aim to understand why children develop cancer, and ultimately how to prevent cancer in children altogether. To achieve this, we develop novel computational approaches to identify genetic cancer risk, and in collaboration with our clinical partners apply these approaches to patient cohorts.

The role of this bioinformatics research officer will be to drive new research into the genomic causes, and prediction, of childhood cancer. Under the direction of the Team Leader, GCCR, you will identify and execute new research to discover the genomic, clinical, and other correlates of paediatric cancer risk, and to identify potential intervention strategies to reduce the incidence of cancer in children at risk. You will also execute related analytical work to address team strategic priorities.

As the Research Officer in our Genomic Childhood Cancer Risk team your purpose will be to:

• Conceive, drive, and complete research programs addressing the GCCR team and Institute’s strategic priorities.
• Present your research at scientific meetings and through publication.
• Seek funding in support of the team’s research goals, and support the Team Leader, GCCR, in preparing strategic funding applications.
• Interact with internal and external stakeholders and collaborators to ensure the successful execution of your research.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff and students.
• Foster a harmonious and collaborative team culture and support the REDI vision – respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Maintain and enhance your skills and knowledge through participation in education and the Institute’s development program

To succeed you will have…

• A PhD or equivalent in bioinformatics, biology, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
• Proven ability to drive research projects from conception to completion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in data analysis and strong familiarity with statistical reasoning
• Expertise in at least one of genetics, genomics, applied mathematics, cancer biology, or molecular biology
• Experience in personnel management and/or mentoring
• Experience in applying for competitive grants
• Strong publication record and proven drive to publish

We will support you to be your best with benefits that include but are not limited to:  

• Access to our ‘FlexBEST’ program – true flexibility from day 1
• Focus on employee wellbeing, including a leading EAP program, and up to 5 gifted wellbeing days off (paid) per year
• Investment in leadership development and career advancement opportunities

Join a group of dedicated people in a performance-driven environment to achieve success and discover what it’s like to look forward to coming to work every day and make a real difference.
A detailed job description and additional information about Children’s Cancer Institute can be found on our website at: https://www.ccia.org.au/careers-study . We embrace diversity and encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
To apply, please click the ‘APPLY’ link and forward both your resume AND cover letter (mandatory) clearly addressing the qualifications, experience and skills required.

Note: Applications will be reviewed prior to the closing date; which is dependent on the status of the recruitment process.