Laboratory Head in Biomedical Data Science

Clinical/Medical Research (Healthcare & Medical)

Competitive salary offered commensurate with candidate’s qualifications and experience + superannuation + generous salary packaging options

About the Baker Institute

Imagine being part of a healthcare transformation where each breakthrough brings us closer to cures and life-changing discoveries. At the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, we are not just conducting research, we are changing lives.

By working towards cures for heart disease and diabetes, we are tackling Australia’s biggest killers head on. Our relentless pursuit to reverse the life-threatening impacts of associated conditions reflects our commitment to combat these fast-growing diseases.

We are at the heart of some of the world’s greatest scientific breakthroughs. Through our research, we are empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to adopt healthier lifestyles, ensuring they live longer and more fulfilling lives.

Join us at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. Every step we take brings us closer to a healthier future. By working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by heart cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  

The Opportunity

We are looking for up to two enthusiastic researchers to join the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute as a Laboratory Head to expand the institute’s capabilities in biomedical data science. This includes synergising with our existing groups (e.g. Systems Genomics), bioinformatics core team, and international partnerships with the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford.

The successful applicant will develop and lead their own research team, for which the institute will provide substantial startup funding. Scientists with skill sets and expertise that will strengthen the institute’s collaborative research environment are specifically encouraged to apply.  

How this role makes a difference

This is a unique opportunity to carry out independent, innovative, and translationally relevant research in cardiometabolic diseases.

Through this key role, you can contribute to our vision to help people to live healthier for longer, and to stop heart disease and diabetes in their tracks. 

How you’ll make an impact

In this role you will be expected to:

• Write grant proposals and acquire funding from external agencies.
• Prepare research papers and manuscripts for publication and presentation at conferences and workshops; write project reports, articles, and other documents.
• Recruit, resource and lead a research team to deliver a program of research which meets international standards.
• Recruit and supervise postgraduate students (Master and PhD level) to successful completion of their studies.
• Engage in national and international research collaborations which further the Baker Institute’s mission (e.g. Baker/Cambridge and the Baker/Oxford university partnerships).
• Plan and coordinate the conduct of experiments; plan the processing and analysis of research data obtained; conduct team meetings related to the progress of the project(s).
• Coordinate pertinent research activities with other research bodies, universities, educational, and research functions; evaluate the possibility and feasibility of alternative funding agencies and recommend potential sources of financial support; and assist in the preparation of proposals for new funding.
• Be involved in professional activities including attendance at conferences and seminars in your field of expertise and contributions to government/professional body policy development.
• Perform administrative functions primarily connected with your lab and area of research.
• Engage in commercialisation opportunities as these arise.
• Develop and oversee project/lab budgets, expense approvals and effectively manage budgets, grants and non-financial resources. 
• Engage in collaborations within the Baker based on the applicant’s expertise and technical skills.
• Establish and maintain access to very large datasets (UK BioBank and others) for use by Baker researchers.
• Train/supervise collaborators and their staff in bioinformatic applications, if needed.
• Support Baker investigators in performing collaborative bioinformatic analyses in a part time role as head of the Institute’s bioinformatic facility service. 

What will you bring?

• You will have: Post-doctoral experience that has resulted in impactful publications. 
• Experience in student and staff supervision.
• Excellent success in obtaining research funding.
• Unique skills and expertise complementing the 29 laboratories working at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute.  

So, why join us?

You can enjoy a challenging career in the exciting international research sector where you can explore your potential and make a real difference.

The Baker collaborates closely with several leading universities. You will be offered the opportunity for academic appointments with the University of Melbourne, Monash University, or La Trobe University, as appropriate.

The Baker Institute offers, generous salary packaging, an employee assistance program, social activities, learning and development opportunities. We also offer modern offices and laboratories in the Alfred Research Alliance precinct with an on-site gym, located opposite beautiful Fawkner Park; and walking distance to Chapel Street and St Kilda Road.

Remuneration and startup support will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

We’d love to hear from you if this sounds like the position for you, you have the skills and knowledge we’re looking for, an appetite to learn, and want to join an organisation where you can make a positive difference please apply without delay.  For a position description or further information, please visit https://baker.edu.au/career/head-biomedical-data-science-mi01

Applications should include a current resume (CV), a 2-page research statement and details of 3 professional referees quoting reference (MI01). 

To be eligible to take up this position you must have appropriate working rights for Australia and you must be immunised with  the influenza vaccination [for workers in clinical environments] in accordance with Mandatory vaccination of health care workers (influenza vaccine) directions – Health services establishments. 

Please note offers of employment are subject to satisfactory background checks. 

The Baker Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for roles within the Institute. We value diversity, inclusivity, and gender equity and we promote family-friendly practices. We are a proud recipient of an inaugural Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE). 

Interviews will be conducted Q4 2025.

Should you have any questions or need more information regarding the position, please contact Professor Michael Inouye (minouye@baker.edu.au).  

To apply, please email your application to recruitment@baker.edu.au 

We look forward to receiving your application.