Research Assistant (R Software Developer)

Job no: 0062641
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 2 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of Mathematics and Statistics
Salary: Level A – $83,468 - $113,262 p.a. plus 17% super

• Enhance and innovate mixOmics R package.
• Engage in multidisciplinary molecular biology research.
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic R Software Developer to maintain and extend the mixOmics R toolkit.

mixOmics is a toolkit that implements 19 multivariate methods for the exploration and integration of “omics” data spanning from transcriptomics (the study of all transcripts) to microbiome data (the study of all bacteria). Thirteen of these methods have been developed by Lê Cao lab members. mixOmics has been ranked top 5% package in Bioconductor repository in the past 5 years.

This role involves working closely with lab members to integrate new statistical methods into mixOmics 2.0, participating in collaborative data analyses, and teaching in mixOmics workshops. The successful candidate will also moderate the mixOmics discussion forum, engage with users, and contribute to the dissemination of the toolkit.

Opportunities for co-authorship in peer-reviewed publications are available.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Participate actively in the maintenance, and development of the mixOmics R package
• Maintain the mixOmics website, respond to queries from users on Github issues and the discussion forum and ensure a positive user experience
• Participate as a member of the research team
• Maintain research data to a high standard, particularly data analysis files and related programs/scripts.

Who We Are Looking For
You will have work experience in statistical and computer programming, particularly in R and coding R packages. You will bring excellent verbal and written communication skills, meticulous record-keeping, and high attention to detail essential for effective research collaboration and engagement.

You will also have:

• Bachelor or Masters degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational statistics or equivalent
• Demonstrated statistical and computer programming experience in R and coding R packages
• Demonstrated experience in version control on Github
• Experience in analysing high-throughput biological data

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – “Melbourne Integrative Genomics (MIG)"

https://sites.research.unimelb.edu.au/integrative-genomics

Melbourne Integrative Genomics (MIG) is a cross-disciplinary initiative at the interface between biology, mathematics and statistics at the University of Melbourne. 

MIG is a leading institution where we use innovative mathematical and computational approaches to answer pressing questions in biology and biomedicine.  MIG, which was founded in 2017, fosters a vibrant environment for collaborative research and education. 

https://research.unimelb.edu.au/integrative-genomics

Le Cao lab is part of Melbourne Integrative Genomics (MIG), which has been established in 2017 and is an initiative to strengthen the involvement of statisticians in the advances being made in genomics and computational biology. MIG is an interdisciplinary research centre for the application of maths/stats/computing techniques to genomic profiling data to help understand genotype-to-phenotype process in humans and other organisms.

What We Offer You!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits  page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website  and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn .   

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the employee listed on the first page of the Position Description found below, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest, experience and the responses against the two following Selection Criteria: 

Demonstrated statistical and computer programming experience in R and coding R packages

Experience in analysing high-throughput biological data

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Anna Gradoboeva via email at [email protected] , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Please note that in the event of sourcing a suitable candidate, the closing date for applications may be brought forward, and the job vacancy may be closed. Therefore, we encourage interested individuals to submit their applications promptly.

Position Description