R&D Lead

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading researchers and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to improve human health. Our mission is to harness all the information encoded in our genome to better diagnose, treat, predict, and prevent disease. From the individual patient with rare disease, to the many thousands affected by complex, widespread illness, we are pioneering discoveries across diseases that have the deepest impact on our community.

The Garvan Genomics Platform assists realising this mission by providing accredited genomic sequencing, single cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics services to medical researchers utilising state-of-the-art sequencing & bioinformatics technologies, supported by industry-leading laboratory automation and high-performance computing infrastructure.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The R&D Lead is responsible for overseeing and executing research and development initiatives across the Platform Hubs, supporting laboratory operations and enabling innovative translational research. This involves managing a core team of scientists to optimise existing resources, evaluate new technologies, support research projects, and develop novel methods at Garvan. The R&D group works with researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to create meaningful impact within the Platform. The R&D Lead will be expected to make decisions related to the routine functioning of the team under limited yet strategic guidance by the Head of Genomics Platform. The R&D Lead will make decisions on prioritising projects and collaborations undertaken by the Platform to make effective use of resources and enable appropriate workflows to achieve the strategic direction and contribute to the success of the Garvan.

The incumbent will work closely with the Head of Genomics Platform to support the core strategic, business and operational direction. This position will have authority for expenditure against their budget (according to Garvan’s policies), under the broad guidance of the Head of Genomics Platform. The position will have several direct reports. 

Salary: Up to $170,000 + 11.5% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 2 year term contract with possibility to extend

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/accom)

• Ample opportunities for on-going training and development

• Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment

• Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times and remote working (minimum 4 days per week on-site)

• 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

Operational and Strategic Management

• Management of R&D operations relating to research support, recruitment, and governance (including safety and other risk management).

• Work with the Head of Genomics Platform to establish strategic direction for the Genomics Platform in order to support and enable researchers across Garvan.

• Work closely with the Flow Cytometry, Cellular & Spatial and Sequencing Leads to ensure effective and seamless service provision across the genomics landscape.

• Ensure the R&D staff maintain a commitment to continuous improvement and the adoption of best practices consistent with Garvan’s policies and procedures.

• Keep abreast of changes in the direction and approach to operational policies and quality processes and procedures across Garvan to assist the Head of Genomics Platform.

• Represent the Head of Genomics Platform and act as a proxy for them where appropriate.

Management and Development of Staff

• Guide and develop a high-performance work culture, aligned to Garvan’s values and focused on the achievement of the Platform’s strategic plan.

• Promote a solutions-orientated mindset and commitment to excellence within the team.

• Coordinate the annual performance planning (goal setting) and review of direct reports’ performance and achievements, in consultation with the Head of Genomics Platform.

Financial Management

• Provide strategic advice and direction in the development, overall management and responsibility of the R&D team budget and forecasts in line with Platform objectives and key performance indicators.

• Advise the Head of Genomics Platform on strategic planning aligned with the Genomics Platform budget and provide direction on the budget process in line with the Platform goals.

Business Planning

• Proactively identify opportunities for change within the Platform that will help enhance its ability to meet strategic goals.

• Analyse and provide appropriate information to the Head of Genomics Platform to inform decision-making e.g. financial, human resources, trend/operational data

• Support the Head of Genomics Platform in facilitating the design, development and delivery of key strategic projects

• Proactively contribute to promoting Genomics Platform capabilities through seminar and conference attendance, and an active presence on social media.

Engagement, Collaboration & Communication

• Relationship Management - advise the Head of Genomics Platform regarding the operational, financial and staffing matters for which they are responsible.

• Develop and maintain all relevant internal and external relationships to understand and meet the Platform’s needs of stakeholder groups.

• Support business development within the Platform and provide expertise in commercialisation and manufacturing.

• Actively contribute to enhancing processes for sharing knowledge, resources, and services within the Platform, the Garvan, and the broader Research Precinct.

• Assist in identifying commercialisation potential through engagement with other Garvan entities, such as the Biologics and Development Platforms.

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders and staff, role modelling Garvan’s values (detailed below).

Safety, Health & Wellbeing

• Proactively demonstrate Garvan’s safety values and standards by “Speaking Up for Safety” and exhibiting visible safety leadership to inspire those values in others and cultivate a culture of safety.

• All staff are required to comply with Garvan’s workplace policies (as amended from time to time) and especially Garvan’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy, including working in accordance with the WHS management system at all times.

ABOUT YOU

Formal qualifications and experience

• Senior professional scientist with a PhD and/or equivalent applicable qualifications within the relevant field.

• Proven experience with genomics and spatial technologies including experimental study design, QC and initial data analysis.

• Demonstrated success onboarding new technologies.

• Demonstrated experience in a management position, with financial and people leadership accountabilities.

• High order critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions.

• Demonstrated organisational ability and strong project management skills, including the capacity to manage multiple projects and deliver on deadlines.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including demonstrated experience in liaison, negotiation and conflict resolution with staff at all levels.

• Well-developed written communication skills.

• Highly developed computer literacy skills with the ability to access and manipulate data from laboratory systems.

• Experience in managing and developing staff by creating an environment in which staff want to achieve their best.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively in teams across an organisation to deliver shared goals.

• Applicants should demonstrate commitment to cultural diversity and ethical practice principles and demonstrate knowledge of equal employment opportunity and workplace health and safety, appropriate to the level of the appointment.

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. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.