Laboratory Technician

Summary

Part-Time (0.8FTE-1.0FTE), 12-Month Contract

The Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme (AHE) at SAHMRI is a leading national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led unit dedicated to wellbeing and achieving health equity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia through quality and safe health and medical research. This role is required to collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living on the lands of all traditional custodians across South Australia, Australia and potentially globally.

Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and is responsible for the high prevalence of end-stage kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, and amputation. The Aboriginal Diabetes Study is a landmark program as a world-first longitudinal study of diabetes and its complications in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia. Seeking to understand the social, psychological, environmental, clinical and genomic predictors of diabetes, complication development and progression, the study will provide insights into the burden of disease and service needs into the future.

The Laboratory Technician will work alongside Wardliparingga clinical researchers and other staff, and will use a range of sample processing, storage and management techniques related to clinical research in the Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme. The main responsibilities will relate to field work associated with the Aboriginal Diabetes Study team in numerous study sites across South Australia. The key objective of this position is to provide end to end handling and processing of biospecimens obtained in various study sites of the Aboriginal Diabetes Study across South Australia. The incumbent has responsibility for ensuring safe and appropriate handling of all human samples obtained in various study sites according to study guidelines. Additional administrative and laboratory duties are integral to the role. The position will require a person who is able to travel within South Australia for up to 2-week blocks and can work within a diverse team under the strategic direction of the Co-Theme Leaders and Program Lead: Implementation Science

About the role

Key responsibilities include:

- Set up the laboratory processing unit in the field in accordance with the Study Protocol.
- Process human specimens safely, carefully adhering to guidelines.
- Perform on-site analyses on human samples in a timely manner.
- Handle samples obtained in various study sites with maximum care and deliver to the main study site and pathology service providers as required.
- Perform relevant administrative and laboratory duties both in the field and at SAHMRI.
- Maintain high levels of confidentiality in accordance with the privacy act and government regulations.
- Contribute to and participate in Wardliparingga Theme initiatives, including special projects to continuously improve processes, tools, systems and organisation.
- Ensure research activities and other outputs are compliant and aligned with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and working to the principles of the South Australian Aboriginal Health Research Accord.
- Support the mentorship, training, professional development and/or supervision of trainees, undergraduate, post graduate research students, as applicable.

About You
- A relevant degree in a life sciences or health disciplines.
- Training in clinical haematology, phlebotomy or relevant field is desirable.
- Previous experience working as laboratory technician in a research or clinical environment.
- Experience working in rural and remote locations and/or working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities is highly desirable.
- Maintaining laboratory records in a timely, accurate, legible and orderly manner.
- Experience working with human specimens, including blood and blood products.
- Ability to work independently, accept responsibility and quickly adapt to changing priorities.
- Attention to detail and evidence of ability to adhere strictly to protocol and working guidelines.
- Acquiring and maintaining competence in relevant laboratory techniques and methodologies, and willingness to engage in training programs where required.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Understanding of ethical conduct in human research.
- Knowledge of confidentiality and privacy laws and guidelines relevant to health and medical research.

Special Requirements
- The incumbent will be required to work beyond regular hours on occasion to meet deadlines.
- Extensive travel and time away from home will be essential, including travel to regional study sites in South Australia.
- Some sample processing and handling will be performed in laboratories located at SAHMRI North Terrace
- DCSI Working with Children Check, National Police clearance and Vulnerable Person Employment