Research Officer Childhood Cancer

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time for 12 months from commencement date
Position Classification: Health Mgr Lvl 1
Remuneration: 84, ,386 full time equivalent base salary range (excludes super, leave loading and salary packaging)
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ

Sydney Children's Hospitals Network is the largest paediatric health care entity in Australia. We care for thousands of children each year in our hospitals and in their homes — with one purpose in mind — to help young people live their healthiest lives.

• An eligibility list may be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.

The Children's Cancer Research Unit (CCRU) is a highly regarded research unit within Kid's Research at the Children's Hospital at Westmead. The Unit carries out preclinical and translational laboratory research in paediatric cancer, including molecular genomic analysis of cancer predisposition, cancer cell biology and preclinical model development, and the development of advanced molecular diagnostics and immune therapies, all aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer with poor prognosis.

The Research Officer will be a member of the Advanced Cellular Therapeutics (ACT) team, which aims to design and develop novel therapies utilizing immune cells. The ACT team are currently developing exciting Chimeric Antigen Receptor and transgenic T cell receptor (CAR and TCR) therapies for paediatric cancer.

The research involves using cutting edge technologies in advanced molecular/cell biology and immunology. The successful candidate will have opportunities to interact with various teams, clinicians, and basic scientists, utilize core facilities of the Westmead Hub and contribute to the thriving University of Sydney affiliated academic learning in the precinct. The candidate will also have an opportunity to supervise students and staff as part of their career progression in academia.

This is also a great opportunity to translate benchside research to bedside outcomes for young patients, contribute significantly and become an integral part of the developing cell therapies consortium at Westmead. The CCRU provides a supportive environment with mentoring and career development opportunities for team members.

If you are passionate about learning, medical research, immunology, molecular and cell biology and developing novel therapeutics using immune cells, get in touch with *************** for further specific details

What you'll be doing

The primary purpose of a Research Officer is to perform high level laboratory-based research, provide significant intellectual contribution to research project/s and produce high quality research data for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The position also requires contribution to written preparation of manuscripts, reports and funding applications. This position may also assist the team leader in the day-to-day supervision of other team members.

The Children's Cancer Research Unit (CCRU) carries out preclinical and translational laboratory research in paediatric cancer, including molecular genomic analysis of cancer predisposition, cancer cell biology and preclinical model development, and the development of advanced molecular diagnostics and immune therapies, all aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer with poor prognosis. The Research Officer will be a member of the CCRUs Advanced Cellular Therapeutics (ACT) team, which aims to design and develop novel therapies utilizing immune cells. The ACT team are currently developing exciting Chimeric Antigen Receptor and transgenic T cell receptor (CAR and TCR) therapies for paediatric cancer.

The research involves using cutting edge technologies in advanced molecular/cell biology and immunology.

1. A relevant doctoral or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution with at least three years full-time research experience. Applicants who are at-thesis submission will be considered subject to Supervisors confirmation.
2. High level of self-motivation and demonstrated research potential evidenced by authorship of peer-reviewed research publication(s) arising from PhD research.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of molecular/cell biological/immunological assays, including but not limited to cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, qPCR/PCR, DNA/RNA extractions, manipulations, cloning.

4. Capacity to independently apply theoretical or policy knowledge to:

   • develop innovative methodologies
   • research and analyse situations and propose new responses or solutions and/or
   • take a leading role in the application of proven techniques involving considerable theoretical and technical sophistication.
5. Demonstrated ability to present research data at local institution and/or national level.
6. Ability to contribute to the training and guidance of junior research staff.
7. Excellent organisational, communication, record-keeping skills and ability to meet deadlines.
8. Desired criteria: knowledge of GCP/GMP methods, T-cell culture, viral and non-viral vectors for cellular transduction; genome engineering using CRISPR/ TALENs and similar technologies; fluorescence microscopy

For roles that require formal qualifications, please note that overseas qualifications must be assessed by the Department of Education or the relevant authority appointed by the Australian Government for skilled migration purposes.

SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity - we acknowledge the vibrancy that a diverse workforce brings to enhance both our workplace culture and our service delivery to children, young people and their families and carers. We encourage all suitably qualified applicants to apply. If you identify as an Indigenous Australian or as a person with a disability, please contact us if you would like some more information about our recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We recognise the value of Aboriginal staff providing health care to Aboriginal children and families that access the services we provide at the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. Aboriginal job applicants are encouraged to visit the NSW Health Aboriginal Recruitment tool, Stepping Up to assist in preparing your application.

This position requires a Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Office of the Children's Guardian./ For more information on how to apply for the clearance, please visit the Office of the Children's Guardian Website

NSWHealth is committed to child safety in line with the Child Safe Standards. SCHN is committed to maintaining a child safe culture that upholds the rights of children and young people. We strive to ensure children and young people feel safe, supported, and are included in their care. Existing staff of SCHN and those seeking employment are required to prioritise the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people in their care and take action to keep them safe from harm and abuse.

Applicants holding visas with working rights may be considered for temporary appointment (up to the expiry date of their visa) where no suitable local applicant is identified.

Need more information?

2) Find out more about applying for this position

If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander wishing to apply for this role and want to speak with an Aboriginal person/representative from the Sydney Children's Hospital Network please contact Wayne Dargan on ************

For technical support please contact the customer services team on and select option 3.

Applications Close: 24/05/2025

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