The Institute

Our client, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is one of Australia’s leading independent medical research institutes. It is comprised of over 400 research and support staff, focussed on translational research which will impact the health of all Australians and people globally.

WIMR lies at the heart of the Westmead Health Precinct which includes four major hospitals, five world-leading medical research institutes, two university campuses and the largest research-intensive pathology service in NSW. With a current workforce of 20,000, the Precinct is destined to be one of the largest health precincts in the world, employing 50,000 health professionals and researchers by 2036. 

WIMR is pioneering personalised treatments and cures by bringing together a deep understanding of fundamental biology with the clinical experience of their health precinct partners. 

The opportunity

The WIMR seeks to appoint a newly created position for a Lead Scientist in Transplant Immunology. This is a Senior Principal Research Scientist (Level D/E Equivalent) position in Transplant Immunology. Reporting to the founding Director of the Centre for Transplant and Renal Research at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Philip O’Connell, the Lead Scientist in Transplant Immunology will play a crucial role in leading step-change in transplant immunology and transforming kidney transplantation outcomes through a world-leading focus on driving basic biological discovery in transplantation. 

The Lead Scientist will lead the development of personalised treatments, using genomics and data science, the development of advanced therapeutics and lead the investigation of new immunotherapies to improve transplant outcomes and understanding of rejection in patients. Working at the laboratory /clinical interface, this position will provide leadership expertise in advanced, innovation-driven, high-quality state-of-the-art research technology to develop these new innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes following transplantation. 

This position provides a unique opportunity to lead and develop novel research in a highly supportive and collaborative environment, work with superb, world-renowned researchers and utilise innovative technologies and equipment. You will also be connected to a large clinical network and have access to a diverse population through the precinct. 

About you - What we're looking for

• PhD qualified or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as Genomics, Epigenetics, Transcriptional Regulation, Functional Genomics, Immunology, Computational Biology or Bioinformatics.
• Significant experience and success in securing research funding from diverse sources as lead investigator.
• An extensive, substantial and consistent excellent publication record, as demonstrated by quantity, high quality, seniority of authorship and extensive international recognition of peer-reviewed publications. 
• Strong national and international reputation, as demonstrated by an outstanding contribution to, or development of a relevant discipline, strong collaborations, invitations to speak at national and international meetings, and participation in external service. 
• An extensive track record in research supervision and contribution to mentoring/research training.
• An extensive track record of forging effective collaborations with clinical teams.
• The ability to lead and work well within a research team exemplified by collegiality, diligence, and accountability.
• Expertise in methods such as CRISPR-Cas9 systems, spatial transcriptomics, genomics, epigenetics, bulk & single-cell multi-omics, immunology, bioinformatics, computational biology, and mechanobiology.
• Experience in contributing to research translation and impact, e.g. through commercialisation of IP and patent applications.

Term and remuneration

The term of the appointment is five years on a full-time basis, with the potential to be a continuing role. Relocation assistance will also be provided if required.

Enquiries and further information

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research has engaged executive search consultancy Universe Search to support this key appointment. For a further discussion and confidential enquiries please contact Kym Matthews (kym@universesearch.com.au) or Kane King (kane@universesearch.com.au). 

How to apply

Please apply using the 'Apply' button.  Please include a full academic CV plus a cover letter addressing the criteria outlined in the "About you - What we're looking for" section of this advert.