Biobank Research Scientist – Scientific Officer

About the opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the continual evolution of one of Australia's most sophisticated biobank operations. The successful applicant will be joining a team of scientists, technicians, researchers and managers, as well as engage directly with pathology laboratories and research partners to deliver tailored services that support complex, multi-site research programs. With a strong focus on quality management, staff training, and continuous improvement, this role is ideal for an experienced and driven research scientist to drive the delivery of high quality and timely services to the health and medical research community in NSW.

The NSW Health Statewide Biobank is located on the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Campus in Camperdown, Sydney. This is a shift based role with allocations made on work-load requirements. The hours range from 9.00:17:30 and 10:30 to 19:00. On-call shifts are also required. The campus is a short walk from Redfern, Macdonaldtown and Newtown train stations as well as multiple bus stops. The many cafes and restaurants of Newtown's King Street are only minutes away.

What we can offer you

• Accrued Days Off in addition to Annual Leave
• Generous salary packaging options and other fringe benefits
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training with RTO My Health Learning

What you'll be doing

The NSW Health Statewide Biobank (NSWHSB) exists to support and enable world-class health and medical research in NSW.

The Biobank Research Officer will enable research by validating and delivering a range of laboratory methodologies and services. The incumbent will be responsible for the coordination and provision of scientific and technical training and the ongoing review, development and quality management of laboratory practices to ensure compliance with operational standards and procedures, quality standards and continual process improvement. The incumbent will also be responsible for implementing the use of new instruments into the NSWHSB laboratory workflow and purchasing and maintaining laboratory equipment.

This position will report to the NSWHSB Senior Research Scientist. This position will work closely with other NSWHSB Research Scientists and NSWHSB Technical Officers, along with other members of the NSWHSB including the Application Reporting Specialist, Client Service Manager, Quality Manager, Operations Manager and Director of Biobanking- NSW Health. This role will interact with the NSWHP Pathology Laboratories as well as research collaborators to establish and deliver research services.

What we can offer you

• Accrued Days Off in addition to Annual Leave
• Generous salary packaging options and other fringe benefits
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training

Interested in joining Australia's largest public pathology service? Apply now by addressing the following questions:

1. Bachelor Degree or higher degree in Science/Medical Laboratory Science or an equivalent qualification with subjects relevant to pathology from a recognised tertiary institution.
2. Demonstrated experience in high-throughput processing of human specimens ideally using automated technologies, in alignment with biobanking best practices.
3. Demonstrated experience in validating new manual and automated methodologies in a research laboratory such as PBMC isolation, nucleic acid extraction methodologies or tissue microarrays.
4. Strong knowledge and practical experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), including accurate data entry, error monitoring, data cleaning and management of biobanking-specific data. Demonstrated commitment to the continuous improvement of LIMS-related workflows by identifying inefficiencies, contributing user feedback, and collaborating with relevant teams to implement practical, effective solutions.
5. Demonstrated experience in developing SOPs and laboratory workflows in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external research clients, ensuring alignment with biobanking best practices and project-specific requirements.
6. Well-developed interpersonal skills and good oral and written communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with researchers and laboratory staff, along with procedure and report writing skills, statistical evaluation of scientific data and the ability to effectively communicate scientific data, policies and procedures.
7. Demonstrated ability to deliver and evaluate effective training for laboratory staff as well as proven ability to assist staff to achieve competency and service/unit objectives.

Need more information?
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For role related queries or questions contact Beth Caruana on ************

Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases

This is a Category A position. All Category A applicants must read and understand NSW Health Policy Directive PD2024_015 Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Diseases. All recruits must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in this policy. All recruits must provide evidence against specified diseases and comply with the requirements of this policy at their own cost prior to appointment.

New to NSW Health Pathology?

The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a functional assessment prior to appointment.

Talent Pool

If the selection panel identifies more than one suitable candidate for the role, an eligibility list will be created for future temporary and casual vacancies.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

NSW Health Pathology is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We seek to recruit from diverse applicants and create teams with skills, perspectives and experiences that complement each other at work. We welcome suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, ethnicity, socio-cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.