Garvan Institute of Medical Research
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.
We are looking for a motivated and skilled Research Officer with a strong background in life science, 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 life science 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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
