The Developmental & Disease Epigenomics Laboratory, led by Dr Ksenia Skvortsova, investigates the molecular mechanisms driving X chromosome reactivation in female immune cells and its role in immune system development and female-biased autoimmunity.
To address these questions, we combine single-cell long-read transcriptomics, flow cytometry, epigenetic profiling of immune cells from animal models and clinical samples, CRISPR genome editing, and multi-omics bioinformatic analyses.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are looking for a motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in functional genomics and molecular biology to drive exciting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of RNA biology, immunology, epigenetics, and computational data analysis.
The role involves leading research projects with a high degree of independence — designing and conducting experiments, analysing data, preparing manuscripts and figures, and contributing to HDR student supervision - within the Developmental and Disease Epigenomics Laboratory, Precision Immunology Research Platform, in close collaboration with Dr Ksenia Skvortsova.
This NHMRC-funded postdoctoral position offers exceptional opportunities for scientific growth and career development within a stimulating, diverse, and collaborative interdisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will:
Drive high-impact discoveries in gene regulation, disease mechanisms, and functional cell states
Lead first-author original research publications and reviews
Gain hands-on training in cutting-edge epigenomic, genome editing, and immunological techniques, including:
- Single-cell transcriptome and DNA methylome profiling (Smart-seq2, scM&T-seq)
- Long-read allele-specific single-cell RNA sequencing (10x Genomics combined with Oxford Nanopore Technologies and whole-genome sequencing)
- Genome-wide histone modification profiling (CUT&RUN)
- CRISPR interference and activation screens in immune cell lines
- RAP-seq for dissecting long non-coding RNA XIST autosomal function
- High-parameter flow cytometry of mouse and human immune cells
Develop bioinformatics skills for next-generation sequencing data analysis
Access dedicated support for career development inside and outside academia
Present at national and international conferences
Salary: AU$102,500 – AU$117,400 + 14% super + salary packaging
Employment Type: 1-year contract with the possibility of extension
SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS
Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accommodation)
Ample opportunities for on-going training and development
Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment
Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times
18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation
A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave
Discounted Health Insurance
Lifestyle discounts with our community partners
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The key responsibilities include:
Design and analyse experiments using mammalian immune cells to study the dynamics of X chromosome inactivation in B cell development and disease.
Apply molecular and cellular biology techniques, including genome editing (CRISPRi/a), transcriptomics, and high-content imaging, to interrogate gene function.
Optimise technologies to map target DNA sequences of lncRNAs.
Produce high-quality research outputs suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to competitive grant proposals.
Present findings in seminars, internal meetings, and national or international conferences.
Supervise and mentor students and research assistants, fostering technical excellence, analytical and critical thinking, and professional growth.
Assist in planning and managing research projects, ensuring compliance with institutional ethics, biosafety, and governance requirements.
Collaborate closely with computational biologists, clinicians, and other scientists to interpret genetic data and translate findings into biological insight.
ABOUT YOU
Highly motivated candidate with a strong background in molecular biology, non-coding RNA biology and epigenomics.
PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or a related field.
Expertise in basic wet lab techniques including DNA/RNA/protein extraction, western blot, qPCR, cell culture, cell transfection.
Expertise in CRISPR-Cas9 technology, including guide RNA design, molecular cloning, and delivery into cells.
Experience with high-parameter flow cytometry, including proficiency in using multi-colour panels with 8+ colours.
CUT&RUN chromatin profiling experience and next generation sequencing library preparation
Computational data analysis skills (R, Python, Unix shell)
Extensive experience in handling and working with laboratory mice and other model and non-model organisms.
High-level analytical and critical skills, scientific independence and creativity.
Ability to maintain thorough laboratory records
An interest and motivation to gain relevant research expertise
Excellent organisational, written, and verbal communication skills.
ABOUT GARVAN
Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRIs.
Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact, and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.
We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.
Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Overseas applicants are welcome to apply for this role.
