Australian Genome Research Facility Placement Opportunity

The Australian Genome Research Facility, or AGRF, is Australia’s leading provider of genomics services to researchers from academia, healthcare, and commercial industries. With over one hundred staff and a national network of laboratories, including one located on UQ’s St Lucia campus, AGRF is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in our clinical diagnostics and translational research sectors.

In partnership with UQ Graduate School, AGRF is offering opportunities to PhD candidates to develop their research and transferable skills with its Bioinformatics group. PhD candidates with backgrounds in data science, computer science, software engineering, bioinformatics, or other programming fields are invited to apply (AGRF will provide the necessary biological and genomics training).

Intended start date: Specific date negotiable with the selected candidate.

Total days: 60 working days.

Location: AGRF- UQ St Lucia Campus. Placement can be done in a blended mode (face to face and remote).

Please read the project description to  know more about this placement opportunity before applying

If you are interested in this placement opportunity, please contact Mark Crowe, AGRF National research Partnerships Manager at mark.crowe@agrf.org.au with a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in applying.

This placement is unpaid, but you might be eligible to apply for one of the Graduate School Scholarships.

About the projects

1. Streamline and improve the scalability of clinically accredited analytical workflows.

These projects encompass automation of acceptance testing and validation of continuous improvement initiatives; specifically, changes in laboratory protocols, software versions and bioinformatic tools require validation to measure performance. Ideal candidates for these projects would have experience in using Git and Python. Experience in developing workflows in Nextflow would also be highly regarded. A life science background is not required.

2. Validate and assess performance of new features that are not yet implemented.

These may improve variant calling accuracy and human to human DNA contamination estimations. These projects are suited for candidates with an interest in analysis, rather than development. Expertise in Python or R is preferred, along with bioinformatics or genomics experience.

After co - developing the project proposal and completing the project brief with AGRF, you will need to formally submit the HDR placement application through my.UQ. Please visit the placements website for guidance, specifically from "Seek approval of your Placement" section: https://cdf.graduate-school.uq.edu.au/hdr-placements and contact Graduate school through their email graduateschool@uq.edu.au if you need assistance submitting your application.