Who Are We?

At MCRI we share a powerful vision; to re-imagine the future of child health. We are the home to many life-changing scientific discoveries. We believe that no question is too impossible to try and answer. We are renowned for our cutting edge focus on early interventions, improved diagnosis, prevention and development of potential cures. Our success is founded on a philosophy of collaboration through a multi-disciplinary approach to solving the toughest questions in child health.

MCRI is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability. We are committed to creating a positive working environment which values all backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster an inclusive culture that is underpinned by equal opportunity for all and a culture based on respect, consideration and dignity. Don’t take our word for it, check what our employees are saying!

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Software Programmer (Research Assistant) to join our Transcriptomics & Bioinformatics team.

This highly specialised role will see you will design novel immersive 3D algorithms around high-dimensional data integration and visualisation while participating in bioinformatics training activities.

A key part of your role will see you develop novel virtual reality (VR) solutions with high-fidelity haptic feedback. The solutions employ server to client machine-to-machine (M2M) protocol, and consist of a virtual application implemented in Unity 3D and additional physical modules using Arduino boards.

As you will be liaising with a number of stakeholders such as collaborators from a variety of fields from IT to Cell Biology, it is essential for you to have excellent engagement and communication skills in an interdisciplinary context. Part of your role is to support the Group and contribute to setting up, maintaining and updating bioinformatics pipelines for the use of the Group members and collaborators.

To be successful in this role you have experience working as a Software Programmer in a similar role, understand the complexities of the research not-for-profit space and have the proven ability to support the delivery of key outcomes.

You have high attention to details, organisational skills and an understanding of the impact that your role will have on Transcriptomics & Bioinformatics projects outcomes.

You are passionate about the Transcriptomics & Bioinformatics work we do and are ready to change the future of children’s health.

Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Set up and maintains bioinformatic pipelines and resources for the use of the Group members and collaborators, including liaising with IT and other Bioinformatics groups regarding infrastructure requirements
• Induct new group members and affiliates to the Group’s bioinformatics infrastructure and provide bioinformatics training of group members and collaborators
• Provide assistance in analysing data for Group members and collaborators and presents at conferences
• Participate and engages in the Group’s activities (e.g. laboratory meetings, scientific retreats, laboratory duties)
• Develop new software, including data visualisation application front-ends and immersive VR environments with haptic feedback, using Unity 3D API
• Develop physical modules as a component of the VR environment using the Arduino programming language
• Deploy the VR environment using a server to client M2M protocol
• Conduct software quality control, maintenance, and documentations using open source standards including Markdown and GitHub
• Conducts ethical research at the highest level of integrity and in line with the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research and MCRI policies

You Demonstrate:

• Degree/Honours/Masters qualification in Computer Science, Electrical and/or Civil Engineering or related discipline
• Appropriate level of expertise gained from a combination of experience, training or professional accreditation (Step 2 to 5)
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent time management, organisational and analytical problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills in a scientific context
• Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets, database programs, statistics and word processing
• Demonstrated understanding of a range of research methodologies and their application in empirical research
• Demonstrated experience in developing VR applications with high-fidelity haptic feedbacks
• Proficiency in Unity API, C#, web-based programming (HTML, CSS, PHP and SQL), JavaScript, Markdown, and data visualisation tools
• Experience in developing VR solutions with high-fidelity haptic feedback.
• Experience with server to client machine-to-machine (M2M) protocol and Arduino boards.
• Demonstrated experience in technical training (ie: organisation of help-sessions or workshop)
• Effective communications skills, specifically in communicating computer-related concepts and results to biologists

On Offer:

• 12 month full time contract
• Salary Range $ 75,700- 92,190 pa + super + salary packaging
• On-site facilities include: childcare, Employee Assistance Program, mindfulness, gym, and bike storage… to highlight a few

A position description is attached.