▷ Urgent Search: Westmead Cytometry Manager

Overview

The WIMR scientific platforms represent a centre of excellence within the Westmead Research Hub (WRH) and include Genomics, Histology, Flow Cytometry, Cell Imaging, Bioinformatics, ElectronMicroscopy, Bioresources, Biobank and Preclinical Imaging. The mission of the Scientific Platforms is to deliver high-quality scientific support to enable and expand research capabilities at Westmead and beyond. The team provides a safe, welcoming, collaborative, support-oriented environment where scientific research goals can be advanced and important discoveries pioneered.

The Cytometry Manager (CM) is responsible for the administration, operation and scientific leadership of technologies within the Cytometry Facility. CM will lead the cytometry team to establish and manage operational systems that maximise research support, with a focus on needs-based innovation, evidence-based best practice, quality improvement and operational efficiency of the Cytometry Facility.

Responsibilities

Operational Management

- Provide direction and leadership to ensure the effective operation of the cytometry platform.
- Ensure all team members have the support required to fulfil their responsibilities and achieve established goals.
- Prepare and maintain reports to assess utilisation and research productivity of the cytometry platforms.
- Assist in resolving escalated, complex, or sensitive issues related to facility operations or personnel.

Staff management and support

- Provide leadership and support to the cytometry team, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career development to foster a culture of performance excellence.
- Ensure appropriate staffing levels with qualified personnel who possess the necessary expertise and experience.
- Promote an organisational culture focused on collaboration, respect, trust, results, growth, and sustainability.

Equipment

- Lead the management and maintenance of advanced instrumentation, driving best practices to ensure reliability, compliance, and optimal performance in support of research activities.
- Support the development and promotion of grant applications for the strategic growth of cytometry equipment and services.
- Oversee asset management and long-term planning for the cytometry equipment portfolio.

Strategy and Innovation

- Develop new protocols to address emerging needs in cytometry.
- Contribute to the development of business plans and strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation within the cytometry platform.

Communication and Engagement

- Proactively engage with users to ensure the effective delivery of cytometry services.
- Respond to user feedback and complaints to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Participate in relevant WIMR and WRH committees, user groups, and events.
- Promote cytometry platform services within WIMR, WRH affiliates, and to external stakeholders.

Governance and Compliance

- Collaborate with the WHS team and scientific platform teams to ensure adherence to all organisational, regulatory, and legislative requirements.
- Provide guidance in the development, implementation, and review of governance and WHS policies and safe work procedures (SWPs) for the cytometry platform.
- Monitor and respond to complex or sensitive enquiries and incidents, ensuring WHS compliance and the implementation of corrective actions where necessary.

Budget and Financial Management

- Oversee financial management of the cytometry platforms, including annual budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
- Identify and develop external funding opportunities and sustainable service delivery models.
- Attract more commercial clients to help offset the operating costs of the cytometry facility.

Other Duties as Assigned

- Undertake additional responsibilities as directed by the Director of Scientific Operations.

Qualifications

Qualification

- A tertiary qualification in a science discipline, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in cytometry and facility management.

Knowledge and Skills

- Extensive expertise in cytometry, including advanced instrument operation (e.g. BD AriaIII, Cytek Aurora, BD Fortessa), strong biological knowledge, and hands-on proficiency in data analysis, panel design, spectral cytometry, and cell sorting.
- Proven leadership in equipment management, with advanced skills in troubleshooting and maintaining cytometry platforms to ensure reliability, compliance, and optimal performance.
- Proven experience managing a scientific facility within a highly regulated environment, including setting strategically aligned work plans, budgeting, resource allocation, coaching, mentoring, and providing performance feedback.
- Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation and oversight of income and expenditure in a scientific setting.
- Ability to contribute to the preparation of equipment or infrastructure grant applications when required.
- Sound knowledge of safety regulations and laboratory operating procedures, including experience working with biological and chemical hazards.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in developing strategies, resolving operational challenges, and fostering innovation.
- Experience in implementing systems and processes that support high-quality research and data analysis.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to negotiate and collaborate on complex issues and provide expert advice.
- Proven ability to translate strategic objectives into operational goals, foster team alignment around shared purpose, and communicate priorities effectively.
- Skilled in coaching and mentoring others to address emerging challenges and risks while building support for change initiatives.
- Proactive engagement with key stakeholders to strengthen relationships and outcomes.
- Ability to represent WIMR publicly, promoting its mission, excellence, and productivity when required.

Behaviours/Attributes

- Works collaboratively and constructively to foster a thriving team environment; maintains collegial relationships, engages in collaborative problem-solving, and supports the growth and development of others, offering feedback in a thoughtful and encouraging manner.
- Demonstrates strong enthusiasm and scientific curiosity, with a commitment to staying current with novel technologies, acquisition methods, and sample preparation tools.
- Possesses excellent interpersonal skills, with a high level of written and verbal English proficiency, and the ability to communicate effectively with scientific, operational, and administrative staff.
- Highly self-motivated and results-driven, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Demonstrated ability and willingness to educate students, postdoctoral researchers, and clinicians, with a passion for knowledge sharing.
- Maintains high ethical standards, honesty, and trustworthiness.
- Exhibits exceptional attention to detail.
- Committed to maintaining confidentiality and data privacy.
- Willing to actively contribute to the development of a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

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 on 10 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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