Coordinator - Biospecimens Service

The Opportunity

The Biospecimens Service supports a wide range of research by ensuring all biospecimens are fit for purpose and by promoting best practices in biospecimen management.

The Coordinator oversees the daily operations of the centralised Biospecimens Service, including pre-analytical technical support, specimen processing, nucleic acid extraction, and data management. The role also involves coordinating laboratory activities, maintaining quality standards, and liaising with researchers on technical and data-related requests. Reporting to the Services Manager, the role involves both desk and laboratory duties.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Receive, process, extract, label, store, and retrieve research specimens (e.g. blood, swabs, urine), ensuring high-quality and timely processing in line with protocols.
• Perform nucleic acid extractions, quality control checks, and maintain accurate data entry and LIMS records for specimen tracking and management.
• Provide technical guidance and pre-analytical advice to researchers, ensuring compliance with laboratory safety, ethics, and confidentiality guidelines.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs, training logs, and quality documentation, reporting any non-conformities or quality issues.
• Ensure laboratory resources, reagents, consumables, and equipment are maintained, and facilities meet OHS/IBC compliance standards.
• Contribute to a positive team environment by participating in meetings, collaborating effectively, and providing feedback to support continuous improvement.

Based at The Kids Research Institute Australia at Perth Children's Hospital, this is a full-time position for 12 months, with the possibility to extend.

About You

This position requires excellent technical, organisational, and communication skills, with a strong focus on quality, accuracy, and data integrity in laboratory practices.

You will possess post-graduate qualifications in biological sciences or related field. Along with this, you will also bring:

• 4+ years' experience handling and managing biological specimens in a PC2 environment.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice and Best Practices as they relate to biobanking.
• Skilled in an array of laboratory procedures including but not limited to specimen processing and nucleic extractions.
• Experience in managing, handling and curating samples from clinical studies.
• Demonstrable management skills of personnel and resources.

At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit, support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we:

• Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
• Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
• Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
• Partner with communities to strength cultural awareness and belonging.
• Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups.
• We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.

Alongside our inclusive culture, you'll enjoy:

• Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
• Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
• Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
• Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
• Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.

How to Apply

If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application.

Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the "About You" section.

Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact

For more information about the role please contact: Chris Gorman, Manager, Biospecimen Services

Contact

Closing Date: 28 November at 11:59 PM - The Kids Research Institute reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.