Senior Research Officer — Epigenomic Discovery

About the role

The Human Epigenetics Laboratory investigates how gene-regulatory mechanisms contribute to diabetes and cardiometabolic disease, and how these mechanisms can be therapeutically modified. This position provides senior scientific and technical leadership within a growing translational program focused on pancreatic cell plasticity, epigenetic regulation and regeneration. It is a hands-on appointment for an experienced early-career scientist with substantial postdoctoral or equivalent experience who is ready to lead technically demanding projects, supervise junior researchers and develop an internationally competitive research profile. The role combines advanced tissue culture, molecular biology, sequencing, data interpretation and close collaboration with national and international partners.

Key responsibilities

• Lead molecular and cellular studies investigating pancreatic regeneration, cellular plasticity and epigenetic regulation in diabetes.

• Establish, optimise and maintain complex mammalian tissue-culture systems, including primary human cells, donor-derived tissues, pancreatic models, organoids or comparable disease-relevant systems.

• Independently design and perform advanced molecular biology experiments, including DNA and RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, cloning, transfection, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and protein-based assays.

• Develop and implement next-generation sequencing workflows, including sample preparation, library preparation, quality control and interpretation for RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, DNA methylation or single-cell applications.

• Investigate pharmacological, genetic and epigenetic interventions and determine their effects on cellular identity, gene regulation and functional outcomes.

• Design rigorous experiments with appropriate biological controls, replication, quality assurance and statistical considerations.

• Analyse and interpret molecular, cellular and sequencing data, undertaking bioinformatic analysis where appropriate and collaborating closely with bioinformaticians and biostatisticians.

• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and reproducible laboratory records, protocols, sample inventories and data documentation.

• Prepare publication-quality figures, reports, manuscripts, conference presentations and scientific material for competitive grant applications.

• Supervise and technically train research assistants, students and early-career researchers, and provide leadership in troubleshooting and experimental decision-making.

About you

• §  A PhD in molecular biology, genomics, epigenetics, human genetics, biomarker science or a closely related biomedical discipline, plus four years of relevant experience.

• Substantial relevant postdoctoral or equivalent research experience, typically three to five years, with clear evidence of increasing scientific independence, technical leadership and responsibility.

• An established peer-reviewed publication record demonstrating substantive contributions to molecular, cellular, epigenetic or regenerative biology research.

• Extensive, recent and direct hands-on experience independently establishing, maintaining, optimising and troubleshooting mammalian tissue-culture models.

• Demonstrated experience with primary human cells, human tissues, pancreatic models, organoids, stem or progenitor cells, or comparable complex biological systems.

• Advanced practical expertise in nucleic-acid extraction, RT-qPCR, protein analysis, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, transfection and assay optimisation.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in next-generation sequencing workflows, including sample preparation, library preparation, quality control and interpretation of sequencing outputs.

• Substantial expertise in at least one relevant sequencing modality, such as RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, DNA methylation profiling or single-cell sequencing.

• Experience independently designing controlled experiments, diagnosing technical failure and making evidence-based decisions about experimental progression.

• Experience supervising and technically training staff, students or junior researchers, and contributing substantially to manuscripts and competitive grants.

About us

Since 1926, the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has been at the centre of some of the world's most significant breakthroughs in heart and diabetes research. As Australia's only independent medical research institute dedicated solely to these conditions, we've spent nearly a century turning discovery science into real-world change. Our scientists, clinicians, public health experts, diabetes educators, and dietitians work together every day with one shared purpose: to help people live healthier for longer.

Led by Professor Sam El-Osta, the Human Epigenetics Laboratory comprises research scientists, research assistants, postgraduate students and national and international collaborators working across molecular epigenetics, diabetes, genomic medicine and regenerative biology. The team integrates human tissue studies, disease-relevant cellular models, functional genomics and translational research, offering the successful applicant a supportive environment in which to build scientific independence, lead publications and contribute to future research directions.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits designed to help our people feel valued, stay well and do your best work. Visit baker.edu.au/career/staff-benefits for more information.