The Role
As a Researcher, provide a team leadership role to research and surveillance activities investigating population genomics/population genetics of pathogens (malaria parasite, arbovirus, bacteria) to improve understanding of their genomes and evolution, and monitoring their temporal/spatial dynamics particularly the spread of diagnostic and antimicrobial resistant pathogens.
Key duties will be to plan, lead and perform genomic and genetic analysis on human samples collected through health surveillances conducted in various countries, to identify pathogens, characterize genetic profiles or changes that pose threats to effectiveness of counter measures, and to determine their prevalence, distribution, origin and evolution.
To comply with occupational health and safety regulations for working with human samples and biological materials and provide evidence of vaccination against hepatitis B.
About our Team
The position is at the Drug Resistance and Diagnostic Department, Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute (ADFMIDI), with a mission to improve malaria diagnosis and monitor malaria drug resistance to inform ADF diagnosis and treatment policies.
The team includes ADF, Australian Public Servants and scientists from QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
Our research focuses on malaria parasites capable of escaping diagnostics and drugs, their molecular changes, epidemiology, evolution, public health and force health protection impact using molecular and genomic technologies.
We are strengthening our capability in areas of population genomics and population genetics in the field of malaria, and expanding capacity to support arbovirus and bacterial research.
We collaborate with the WHO, country Ministries of Health, NGOs, military and civilian research institutions.
Our Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate has completed PhD with postdoctoral training, is a motivated, dedicated and productive researcher with excellent knowledge and research experience in the field of pathogen genomics and population genetics.
As a project leader, the candidate should be capable of designing and conducting research independently, collaborate with team members and with external teams.
The candidate should have experience in genomic and genetic techniques, data analysis tools, and pay attention to details.
The candidate should have a proven track record (relative to experience) in scientific publications. Knowledge and skills in statistical analysis are highly desirable.
Experience in malaria (in vitro culture and genetic analysis), arbovirus and bacterial research is also desirable.