Research Officer – Functionally Applied Biology, Cancer Research
Position Classification: Health Mgr Lvl 1
Remuneration: 81581 - 98500 full time equivalent base salary range (excludes super, leave loading and salary packaging). Appointment in line with qualifications and experience.
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ531799
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.
- An eligibility list may be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
Seeking a laboratory-based Research Officer to support the Childhood Cancer Functionally Applied Biology (FAB) Program in the development of their advanced preclinical assays using stem-cell derived organoids and patient-derived cancer cells. We are part of the thriving Westmead Health Precinct, a world-leading and innovative community of scientists and clinicians, with access to well-equipped research facilities. The successful candidate will develop and take part in novel research to derive improved preclinical assays, collaborating across the teams in the Children’s Cancer Research Unit (CCRU) to test new advanced cellular therapeutics for treating children’s cancer. This is a great opportunity to translate benchside research to bedside outcomes for young patients. The CCRU is the research arm of the Cancer Centre for Children and through our research we aim to use science to make kid’s cancer a disease of the past. If you want to help us work towards this, have demonstrated research experience in cancer cell biology, a passion for excellent and rigorous research that leads to translational outcomes, and want to make a difference for the survival and treatment of children with cancer, this is an exciting opportunity for you to achieve this goal.
What you'll be doing
The Children’s Cancer Research Unit (CCRU) carries out preclinical and translational laboratory research in paediatric cancer, including molecular genomic analysis of cancer predisposition, cancer cell biology and preclinical model development, and the development of advanced molecular diagnostics and immune therapies, all aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer with poor prognosis.
The Research Officer will be a member of the CCRUs Functionally Applied Biology (FAB) team, which aims to design and develop innovative preclinical models for testing novel therapies. The FAB team have developed an exciting 3D culture model for paediatric brain cancer and are using the model to test efficacy of cellular therapies. The research involves using cutting edge technologies in advanced molecular/cell biology and immunology.
- A relevant doctoral or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution with at least three years full-time research experience.
- High level of self-motivation and demonstrated research potential evidenced by authorship of peer-reviewed research publication(s) arising from PhD research.
- Demonstrated knowledge of molecular/cell biological/immunological assays, including but not limited to cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, qPCR/PCR, DNA/RNA extractions, manipulations, cloning.
- Capacity to independently apply theoretical or policy knowledge to: • develop innovative methodologies • research and analyse situations and propose new responses or solutions and/or • take a leading role in the application of proven techniques involving considerable theoretical and technical sophistication.
- Demonstrated ability to present research data at local institution and/or national level.
- Ability to contribute to the training and guidance of junior research staff.
- Excellent organisational, communication, record-keeping skills and ability to meet deadlines.
- Desired criteria: stem cell culture and organoid generation, T-cell culture, viral and non-viral vectors for cellular transduction; genome engineering using CRISPR/ TALENs and similar technologies; familiarity with image software analysis programs; experience with high-end imaging of 3D tissue structures (live/fixed).
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.
Please refer to the Application Guide and NSW Policy Directive PD2024_015 Occupational Assessment Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases for vaccination requirements.
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, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead 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
