Manufacturing Scientist: Centre for Cancer Research

Manufacturing Scientist: Centre for Cancer Research - Vacancy Details

Synopsis:

This manufacturing scientist role reports via the Production Manager and Laboratory Medical Director to the T Cell Therapies Program Director and supports the development and GMP-compliant manufacture of advanced cellular therapy products by the Westmead T Cell Therapies manufacturing team. A primary focus will be the use of the CliniMACS Prodigy platform for automated cell processing for manufacture of a variety of cell therapy products.

At Westmead T Cell Therapies, you’ll be part of a collaborative team at the forefront of cell therapy manufacturing. You’ll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art platforms like the CliniMACS Prodigy and other state of the art cell therapies equipment, contribute directly to clinical translation of novel cell therapies and play a role in improving outcomes for patients with life-threatening diseases like cancer.

Key areas of responsibility include

- GMP manufacturing of cell therapy products, including set-up, operation, monitoring and troubleshooting of the CliniMACS Prodigy manufacturing platform.
- Aseptic cell culture and cell processing techniques for manufacture of cell products (e.g. cell activation, selection, expansion, transduction, harvesting).
- Conduct in-process controls and support release testing (e.g. flow cytometry assays).
- Maintenance of accurate and contemporaneous batch manufacturing records in compliance with TGA and GMP requirements.
- Compliance with facility GMP standards, including cleanroom gowning, environmental monitoring and equipment maintenance.
- Participation in training and competency assessments.
- Contribution to process improvement, risk assessments and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Development and validation of manufacturing protocols, SOPs and batch records.
- Collaboration with quality, regulatory and research teams to ensure successful delivery of manufacturing activities.
- Management of inventory.

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following education, experience and technical knowledge:

- Bachelor’s degree (preferably with honours) in cell biology, immunology, biotechnology or related field.
- Experience in mammalian cell culture under sterile/aseptic conditions.
- Knowledge of T cell biology and immunotherapy principles.
- Strong attention to detail with demonstrated ability to follow complex protocols.
- Ability to work effectively within a GMP-regulated environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills and presentation skills.

Desirable skills:

- Hands-on experience with the CliniMACS Prodigy or other automated cell processing platforms.
- Prior experience in GMP manufacturing of cell and gene therapy products.
- Flow cytometry experience, preferably with MACSQuant10.
- Experience with regulatory audits or compliance documentation.

About WIMR

At the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR), we focus on tackling real-world health challenges through research that leads to tangible clinical outcomes. Our work spans cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions, with the goal of turning scientific breakthroughs into treatments that improve lives.

We specialise in precision medicine, leveraging advanced technologies such as gene and cell therapies, bacteriophage and plasmid therapies, islet transplantation, bioinformatics, regenerative medicine, and genomics. Our discoveries progress to first-in-human clinical trials through partnerships with the Westmead Health Precinct and national collaborators, ensuring rapid translation into patient care. Beyond the clinic, we work closely with industry partners to bridge gaps in healthcare, ensuring that new therapies and innovations reach those who need them most, on a global scale.

Why join us?

- Unmatched Clinical Access and Global Impact – Conduct research with direct access to patient samples and clinical networks within the Westmead Health Precinct, ensuring rapid translation of discoveries into real-world treatments that benefit diverse populations.
- Collaborative and High-Impact Research Environment – Be part of a multidisciplinary team of leading scientists and clinician-researchers, tackling complex health challenges and turning precision medicine innovations into transformative therapies.
- Cutting-Edge Technology and Infrastructure – Work in a state-of-the-art research facility equipped with world-leading platforms and specialised research capabilities. Our cutting-edge resources support biobanking, bioinformatics, bioresources, cytometry, electron microscopy, genomics, histology, imaging, preclinical imaging, and biomedical proteomics, enabling groundbreaking discoveries and medical advancements. Our latest technological investments include:
- Xenium and CytAssist – Combining genomics with ultra-high-resolution imaging to map individual cells in tissue biopsies, aiding precision treatments for transplant rejection and disease progression.
- Rhapsody System – Analysing the genetic signatures of thousands of individual cells at once, identifying critical drug-resistant tumour cells and advancing cancer and transplant therapies.
- QIAcuity Digital PCR System – Enabling ultra-sensitive detection of genetic material, allowing for early disease detection and precise patient monitoring for infections and genetic disorders.
- VS200 Slide Scanner – Enhancing microscopic imaging contrast for detailed disease analysis, accelerating early diagnosis and treatment development, particularly in cancer research.
- World-Class Facilities and Work Environment – Conduct research in a modern, award winning, and architecturally designed building, featuring a professional café, secure bike storage, showering amenities, and state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, providing a comfortable and well-equipped environment for innovation and collaboration.
- Flexible work arrangement (via agreement with management)
- Close to public transport, including the Parramatta Light Rail
- Not-for-profit ability to salary sacrifice for tax benefits
- Option for novated leasing
- Paid parental leave program
- Access to employee assistance program

Applications close 22 October 2025

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research is committed to workplace equity, diversity and inclusion. We value and acknowledge the importance of our people’s diverse experiences, talents and cultures that they bring to work with them each day. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of attracting and retaining talent in our workforce. The creation of a diverse and inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential, enhance our success and achieving our vision to improve health outcomes.

www.wimr.org.au

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