Research Officer

Company Description

WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) brings together the brightest minds from around the world to make life-changing discoveries. With over 1000 researchers, WEHI focuses on finding solutions for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders, and healthy ageing. The institute fosters long-term discovery and collaborates with partners in science, health, government, industry, and philanthropy to achieve its mission.

Job Title

Research Officer - Translational Research Scientist (Cell Therapy Manufacturing)
Job Description

An excellent opportunity is available for a Translational Research Scientist (Cell Therapy Manufacturing) to join a dynamic research laboratory within the Personalised Oncology Division at Australia's pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

The Jenkins Laboratory is internationally recognised for pioneering research in immunotherapy for brain cancer. Led by Professor Misty Jenkins AO, the lab focuses on developing innovative CAR T cell therapies and other immune-based strategies for aggressive paediatric and adult brain tumours. We combine cutting-edge preclinical models, advanced single-cell and proteomic technologies, and state-of-the-art cell manufacturing platforms to translate discoveries from bench to bedside. Our team works collaboratively within the Brain Cancer Centre and across national and international consortia, driven by a strong consumer focus and commitment to bringing hope and new treatments to patients and families affected by brain cancer.

About the position

We have a number of assets we have developed that are now poised for clinical translation. This new role will establish and lead operations in WEHI's ISO Class 9 clean room, forming a critical part of our translational pipeline for CAR T cell therapy in brain cancer. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an agile CAR T manufacturing pipeline within a dynamic preclinical team in a world-leading research institute.

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate an ability to perform highly technical laboratory work with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and reproducibility.
• Establish and lead CAR T cell manufacture using the Miltenyi Prodigy platform.
• Perform viral transduction, cell culture and immune functional assays.
• Develop and implement GMP-'aligned' workflows and batch release testing.
• Collaborating with process development teams.
• Develop data package with regulatory authority requirements (TGA, FDA and others) for clinical translation.
• Coordinate with research and clinical teams to progress CAR T therapies towards first-in-human trials.
• Produce reports and presentations to support experimental outcomes.
• This role offers flexible working hours, with occasional after-hours work to support key experiments and clean room activities.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks relevant to GMP cell manufacturing.
• Experience generating, characterising and testing CAR T cells.
• Demonstrated expertise in cell culture and advanced cell therapy workflows.
• Excellent organisational, documentation and communication skills.
• Excellent collaborative culture and be able to work effectively as a part of the dynamic research team – be reliable and approachable with excellent communication skills.
• Expertise in Flow cytometry and immune profiling.
• PhD or equivalent research/industry experience in cell therapy, immunology, biomedical science or related discipline.
• Graduate certificate, or equivalent, in Good Manufacturing Practice.

Desirable

• Experience with closed-system manufacturing platforms (e.g. Miltenyi Prodigy).
• Knowledge of quality systems, QC assays and batch release criteria.
• Experience establishing or working in GMP-aligned clean room facilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across research, clinical and regulatory environments.

Terms of appointment

This position is available for 2 years in a full time capacity.

Salary is Research Employee Level A6-8 ($104,071-$111,707). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries can be directed to Professor Misty Jenkins AO –

A position description is available
here.

How to apply

Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria above (in pdf format).

Application closing date:  Friday 24 October 2025.