Research Assistant – Children’s Cancer Research

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Research
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The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network
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REQ531724 Requisition #
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time up to 12 January 2026
Position Classification: Admin Off Lvl 3-6, in line with qualifications and experience
Remuneration: 66027.58 - 79458.87 full time equivalent base salary range (excludes super, leave loading and salary packaging) 
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ531724

Sydney Children's Hospitals Network is the largest paediatric health care entity in Australia. We care for thousands of children each year in our hospitals and in their homes — with one purpose in mind — to help young people live their healthiest lives. 

Additional information:
  • An eligibility list may be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
 
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join the Children’s Cancer Research Unit (CCRU) at Kid’s Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. This role is ideal for an individual with a strong background in molecular and cell biology, looking to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer. The CCRU focuses on understanding the genetic predispositions and molecular mechanisms that drive childhood cancers, particularly those with poor prognoses, deriving novel preclinical models for improved testing efficacy and deriving novel cell therapies for cancer. The research assistant will conduct laboratory research under the guidance of senior CCRU staff, applying a variety of biochemical, molecular, and cell biology techniques and contribute to the administration of the research unit. The CCRU is a part of the thriving Westmead Health Precinct, offering a collaborative and innovative environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to research that directly impacts the lives of children with cancer.

What you'll be doing
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant (RA) role is to provide high quality research outcomes under the direction of the program and laboratory team leadership of the Children’s Cancer Research Unit (CCRU). This is a well-established and highly regarded research team at Kid’s Research at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. 

The CCRU carries out laboratory research into the genetic predisposition and molecular mechanisms driving childhood cancer, in addition to translational research aiming to improve outcomes for children with cancer. In particular, the CCRU is focused on childhood cancers with poor prognosis for which novel therapies are needed

The RA will be an integral member of the CCRU, providing support for the range of research programs across the unit. The RA will be responsible for undertaking experimental investigations under the direction of senior CCRU staff and will assist in the smooth running of the unit through ordering and maintaining supplies. The role will involve a range of laboratory techniques including biochemical and cell and molecular biology approaches to the investigation of children's cancer. It will also include cell culture and tissue handling techniques such as processing clinical samples from patients recruited to studies undertaken by the unit. There is potential to progress to undertaking PhD research in the future. 
  1. Bachelor's degree relevant to medical science with evidence of relevant excellent achievement academically or equivalent scientific/technical experience in molecular biology and/or cancer research. Applicants with relevant honour's degrees or currently completing honour's degrees are encouraged to apply.
  2. Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in one or more of the following: molecular assays such as DNA purification, PCR and NGS, proteomics, cell-based assays involving mammalian cell tissue culture, multi-parameter flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy. Experience with data analysis and statistical packages desirable.
  3. Demonstrated practical experience in laboratory bench work in a regulated or research environment.
  4. Demonstrated high level of organisation and meticulous record-keeping skills.
  5. Evidence of efficient time management and multi-tasking with a demonstrated capacity to monitor work flows and prioritise tasks.
  6. A sound understanding of data confidentiality and principles of ethical research practice.
  7. Evidence for a high standard of communication skills and demonstrated ability working effectively both independently and within dynamic research teams.
  8. Computer literacy, database management and excellent analytical skills.

SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity - we acknowledge the vibrancy that a diverse workforce brings to enhance both our workplace culture and our service delivery to children, young people and their families and carers. We encourage all suitably qualified applicants to apply. If you identify as an Indigenous Australian or as a person with a disability, please contact us if you would like some more information about our recruitment process. 

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We recognise the value of Aboriginal staff providing health care to Aboriginal children and families that access the services we provide at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. Aboriginal job applicants are encouraged to visit the NSW Health Aboriginal Recruitment tool, Stepping Up to assist in preparing your application. 

 

 

This position requires a Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Office of the Children’s Guardian.  For more information on how to apply for the clearance, please visit the Office of the Children’s Guardian Website https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/  

 

NSWHealth is committed to child safety in line with the Child Safe Standards. SCHN is committed to maintaining a child safe culture that upholds the rights of children and young people. We strive to ensure children and young people feel safe, supported, and are included in their care. Existing staff of SCHN and those seeking employment are required to prioritise the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people in their care and take action to keep them safe from harm and abuse. 

 

 

Applicants holding visas with working rights may be considered for temporary appointment (up to the expiry date of their visa) where no suitable local applicant is identified. 



Need more information?
  1) Click here for the Position Description
  2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Professor  Geraldine O'Neill, Head, Children’s Cancer Research Unit on geraldine.oneill@health.nsw.gov.au

If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander wishing to apply for this role and want to speak with an Aboriginal person/representative from the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network please contact Wayne Dargan on wayne.dargan@health.nsw.gov.au 

 

For technical support please contact the customer services team on 1300 679 367 and select option 3. 

Applications Close: 3/12/2024

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