Overview

The laboratory has pioneered a mounting body of evidence that somatic mutations in “rogue clones” of B and/or T cells are a key step in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, allowing these cells to evade normal checkpoints that maintain self‑tolerance. Until recently, technologies for identifying somatic mutations in single lymphocytes had limited accuracy and sensitivity, limiting the discovery of driver mutations to a subset of autoimmune diseases characterised by unusually large “rogue clones”. New single cell DNA and RNA sequencing technologies, coupled with fluorescent cell sorting and robotic processing of hundreds of lymphocytes, now make it possible to reveal the complete landscape of somatic mutations across the genome of very small clones of cells in blood or biopsy samples. We are therefore looking to expand the program using these new technologies to a range of common “polyclonal” autoimmune diseases characterised by numerous small clones of B or T cells recognising the driver autoantigens in these diseases. This cellular and genomic work is paired with a clinical trials program that translates our findings into rationally designed clinical trials.

The Opportunity

This role is being created within the Goodnow Lab at Garvan to lead projects and experimental work with single cell RNA and whole genome sequencing aimed at deepening our understanding of the role of somatic mutations in the pathogenesis of human autoimmune disease. The role will work closely with an interdisciplinary team at Garvan, across Sydney, nationally and internationally comprising state‑of‑the‑art core facilities for spectral flow cytometric sorting, single cell DNA/RNA library preparation and sequencing, computational analysis of immunoglobulin and T cell receptor genes, computational analysis of gene expression patterns, computational analysis of somatic mutations,



synthesis and structural/immunochemical analysis of recombinant antibodies, and experts in the clinical evaluation and treatment of diverse autoimmune diseases.

Salary: Up to $128,000 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)
Employment Type: 2-year fixed‑term contract with possibility to extend.

Benefits

- Generous salary packaging to save income tax on wages thereby boosting 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 workplace.
- 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 personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave.
- Discounted health insurance.
- Lifestyle discounts with community partners.

Responsibilities

- Selection of autoimmune diseases for project development, experimental design and application of fluorescent sorting and single cell DNA/RNA sequencing methods under the supervision of Professor Goodnow.
- Undertake and direct primary research on samples from patients with human autoimmune diseases. Key experimental platforms include spectral flow cytometry, single‑cell index sorting into 384‑well plates, single‑cell RNAseq, single‑cell whole genome sequencing, histology, autoantibody expression and testing for self‑reactivity.
- Prepare research proposals for competitive funding bodies, such as NHMRC, MRFF and NIH,



as either lead or co‑investigator.
- Develop and refine research projects for junior staff and students, and day‑to‑day manage and supervise them.
- Contribute to the growth and productivity of the lab by proposing, participating and overseeing the design, development and validation of new assays, and fostering collaborative efforts with other labs, organisations and companies.
- Stay abreast of advances in antibody/TCR repertoire analysis, genomics and single cell sequencing technology in general, maintaining knowledge about human immune testing and personalised medicine.
- All staff are required to comply with Garvan’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy and work in accordance with the WHS management system at all times.
- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

- PhD degree undertaken in a related area of science, preferably molecular immunology or genomics.
- Extensive experience in key methods including flow cytometry and analysis, cell sorting, single‑cell sequencing, RNAseq, whole genome sequencing, PCR and in‑vitro cell assays.
- Experience in recombinant antibody expression and testing by ELISA is preferable.
- Experience in histology (immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy) is preferable.
- Ability to operate independently, develop and troubleshoot assays.
- PhD and/or postdoctoral research experience with high‑quality first‑author or senior‑author and multi‑author publications.
- Commitment to scientific excellence and integrity.
- Experience training and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Ability to develop, manage and maintain internal and external collaborations and relationships.
- Highly developed skills in facilitation and meeting leadership.
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong project management skills.

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📌 Single Cell Genomics Research Officer/Senior Research Officer (City of Sydney)
🏢 The Garvan Institute of Medical Research
📍 City of Sydney