Lead Bioinformatician

About us 

Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) is a community funded and focused not for profit. We are the largest cancer charity in NSW and our point of difference is that we work across every area of every cancer, from research right through to support. 

At CCNSW we understand that nothing feels better than doing work you really care about. As Australia’s leading organisation supporting all people impacted by all cancers, we understand how good it feels to make a difference. We know that almost 1 in 2 Australians are affected by cancer during their lifetime, by joining the passionate team at CCNSW you’ll know that each day the work you’re doing will positively impact people in your life and Australia.  

About the team/About the role:

The Daffodil Centre is a strategic initiative of the Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) and the University of Sydney, underpinned by a formal affiliation and collaboration agreement. As a world-leading population and health services cancer research centre, it provides key evidence to influence policy decisions and real-world improvements along the cancer continuum. The Centre combines the complementary strengths of CCNSW and the University of Sydney to create a centre of national and international research excellence where research contributes to a cancer free future. 

The Lead Bioinformatician provides computational and analytical leadership for The Daffodil Centre’s expanding precision cancer prevention and molecular research program, supporting the establishment of a new PC2-certified molecular research laboratory. Reporting to the Director, the role leads the development and application of advanced bioinformatics, biostatistical, and AI-driven methods to analyse complex genomic, epigenomic, DNA methylation, and multi-omics datasets.

Acting as the Centre’s subject matter expert in molecular data analysis and interpretation, the position integrates data across multiple sample types and timepoints to develop biomarkers, disease risk models, and early-detection assays, translating research discoveries into real-world cancer prevention outcomes while helping shape the scientific workflows and analytical capabilities that underpin the Centre’s long-term research strategy.

About the benefits: 

• Generous salary packaging options that can increase your take home pay by paying certain expenses using pre-tax dollars up to $15,900 a year. 
• Recognised for Voice Project's 2021 and 2023 "Best Workplace" Award as well as Xref “Best Workplace” in 2025.  
• Additional performance-based leave available. 
• Work for purpose and know that your work fosters an engaged, diverse and culturally aware organisation. 
• Discounts available for everyday expenses such as private health, retail and fitness 

Key responsibilities of the role: 

• Lead the Centres bioinformatics and analytical strategy, designing and delivering computational approaches that support molecular research, translational objectives, and emerging scientific priorities.
• Develop and maintain advanced bioinformatics pipelines for epigenomic, genomic, single-cell, and multi-omics data, ensuring robust, reproducible, and scalable analytical workflows.
• Apply innovative computational and AI-driven methods to biomarker discovery, risk modelling, classification, and high-dimensional data analysis, translating complex datasets into meaningful scientific insights.
• Integrate multi-source molecular and clinical data using a systems biology approach to generate composite disease risk models and support precision prevention research.
• Provide scientific leadership and research support through expert bioinformatics advice, collaboration with internal and external partners, contribution to publications and grant applications, and implementation of best-practice documentation and reproducible research standards.

About you: 

Essential: 

• Advanced qualifications and bioinformatics expertise, with a PhD or equivalent research experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, biostatistics, or a related field.
• Strong technical and analytical capability, including extensive experience analysing complex molecular and sequencing datasets using R, Python, workflow management tools, and bioinformatics frameworks.
• Expertise in statistical modelling and machine learning, applying advanced computational methods to high-dimensional biological data for predictive modelling, biomarker discovery, and validation.
• Proven research impact and reproducibility practices, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, robust documentation, version control, containerisation, and experience working in HPC or cloud computing environments.
• Excellent scientific communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate complex research questions into analytical solutions and effectively engage with both computational and non-computational stakeholders.

Desirable: 

• Experience with DNA methylation data (arrays and/or sequencing).
• Experience in cancer risk prediction, early detection or biomarker discovery.
• Experience in a clinical or translational research setting and with international collaborative cohorts.
• Familiarity with data governance and ethics frameworks in health/medical research.

CCNSW is an inclusive place to volunteer and work.  We embrace diversity, celebrate our differences, and inspire each person to be their authentic self at work.  As we strive to represent the communities we serve, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse groups. 

If you require any adjustments to submit your application, please get in touch with Blayze Thomas at ••••@nswcc.org.au  

Apply online by visiting our website directly, copying the following link www.cancercouncil.com.au/jobs then click on the role title and submit your cover letter and resume. 

Closing date: 18th September 2026