Research Officer

**Job no**: 530622
**Work type**: Full Time
**Location**: Sydney, NSW
**Categories**: Clinical/Medical Research
- **One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities**
- **Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion**
- **Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best**

**At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.**

The Centre processes over 54,000 NGS samples annually using diverse library preparation procedures across multiple sequencing platforms. It is accredited to NATA ISO/IEC 17025 standards, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with regulatory frameworks. Additionally, the Centre holds LEAF Gold accreditation for sustainability, reflecting its commitment to environmentally responsible practices in research infrastructure.

The Research Officer is responsible for preparing libraries for single-cell sequencing workflows, with a primary focus on alternative methods such as SPLIT-Seq and PIP-Seq. The role involves implementing these workflows, troubleshooting technical issues, and optimizing protocols to deliver high-quality data. The Research Officer will work independently, liaise with clients, and provide technical guidance while adhering to quality, safety, and sustainability standards.

The role is co-funded by the UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute.

**About the role**
- **$100K - $107K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading**
- **Fixed Term - 12 months**
- **Full-time (35 hours per week)**

The role reports to the Senior Research Officer and has no direct reports.

**Specific responsibilities for this role include**:

- Support the preparation and implementation of single-cell sequencing workflows, including methods such as SPLIT-Seq and PIP-Seq, ensuring adherence to established protocols and contributing to the refinement and optimization of new or modified procedures.
- Evaluate the results of single-cell sequencing sample preparation procedures, independently identify issues, and implement solutions to maintain operational continuity and ensure high-quality outcomes.
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients working on single-cell projects, providing regular updates, resolving queries, and offering technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
- Test and refine library preparation protocols for single-cell workflows using a variety of sample types, actively contributing to workflow optimization and innovation within the Centre’s sustainability and quality frameworks.
- Prepare quotes for clients using established guidelines, as required, and contribute to discussions about project feasibility or workflow adjustments.
- Provide secondary support by preparing samples for short
- Develop, document, and maintain laboratory protocols for standard procedures in alignment with the Centre’s pathway toward ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
- Ensure compliance with quality procedures and processes as required by ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
- Conduct internal audits and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and other quality standards.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with laboratory tasks, projects, and activities to uphold a safe, high-performing, and sustainable working environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Research Officer, Deputy Director, or Director, including tasks related to troubleshooting, protocol optimization, and project management for single-cell sequencing workflows.
- Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
- Cooperate with all health and safety policy and procedures of the University and take all reasonable care to ensure your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself and others.

**About the successful applicant**

**(Selection Criteria)**

To be successful in this role you will have:

- A degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating expertise in single-cell sequencing workflows and molecular biology principles
- A strong foundation in cellular and molecular biology, particularly with mammalian cell lines
- Substantial demonstrated technical knowledge and hands-on experience in single-cell sequencing workflows, including establishing and optimizing methodologies, is required.
- Demonstrated problem-solving ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in a molecular laboratory setting.
- Strong project management skills, including the ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent workflows and liaise with clients to deliver high-quality results.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to document workflows and communicate effectively with team members and clients.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team while independently