Description:
Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) pioneers advances in melanoma research and treatment that are making a difference to the lives of patients today. We are a non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing and curing melanoma through innovative, world-class research, treatment and education programs. MIA is a national affiliated network of melanoma researchers and clinicians based in Sydney at the Poche Centre – the world’s largest melanoma research and treatment facility. It’s from here that our specialists pioneer new research, conduct clinical trials, develop new treatments and promote awareness of melanoma and where our clinics treat 2,000 melanoma patients each year. Further Information about Melanoma Institute Australia can be found at www.melanoma.org.au
The MIA Biospecimen Bank (Biobank) was established in 1998 to collect, process, store, retrieve and disseminate high-quality specimens (tissue, blood and stool) and information for research projects following informed consent from participants seen at MIA and diagnosed with melanoma and other skin cancers. It provides a unique research resource to underpin much of MIA’s activity, which is strongly coupled to the University of Sydney and Macquarie University.
MIA is looking for a highly motivated Biobank Technical Officer to join its dynamic biobanking team. The role is primarily based at the Charles Perkins Centre in Camperdown, with occasional travel to the Poche Centre in Wollstonecraft as needed.
Reporting to the Biobank Project Manager, the Biobank Technical Officer is integral to the Biobank’s operations at the Charles Perkins Centre site. The Technical Officer will be heavily involved in the specimen management of the Biobank, including processing, receipt, retrieval, auditing, and proper cataloguing of patient specimens. The role will also provide technical and logistical support to meet project objectives. The role requires a combination of scientific expertise, organisational skills, and a strong commitment to regulatory and ethical considerations.
Key Responsibilities
- Process, store, and retrieve biological specimens (blood and stool) from melanoma patients whilst adhering to strict protocols.
- Maintain laboratory records to a high standard and ensure that biospecimen annotations and inventory are accurate and up-to-date.
- Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), regulatory guidelines, and ethical standards in biobanking activities.
- Work with internal and external teams to facilitate efficient specimen collection and research support.
- Perform administrative duties within the biobank including: data entry, housekeeping duties, receive orders and deliveries and manage stock control.
This position will offer you a dynamic work environment, broad clinical exposure and a high paced workload. This is an outstanding opportunity to further your career and develop your skills in a globally recognised institution. Motivated and enthusiastic new graduate candidates are encouraged to apply.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, applicants must attach a copy of their current CV and include a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria below.
Essential
- Tertiary qualifications of at least a Bachelor Degree in Science / Biomedical Science or relevant field or an equivalent recognised qualification relevant to Biobanking, Medical Laboratory Science or relevant specialty.
- Experience working in a laboratory and understanding of good laboratory practice guidelines.
- Knowledge of specimen processing, handling, and storage (e.g., blood, stool, frozen storage at -80°C and -195.8°C).
- Proven ability to adhere to instructions and follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining database records.
- Proven ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and meet competing deadlines efficiently.
- Ability to troubleshoot issues, adapt to changing priorities, and suggest process improvements.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated capacity to liaise with professionals across multiple disciplines.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals, as well independently without close supervision.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data management systems.
Desirable (experience in one or more of the following areas would be an asset)
- Preparation of PBMCs from blood.
- Knowledge of biobanking and/or melanoma.
Only applicants with full working rights within Australia should apply. Only successful applicants will be contacted. Please no recruitment agencies.
Our working week is 38 hours so those on student visas need not apply. This is a full-time, permanent role.
As we interact with patients on a cross functional level, applicants will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
This advertisement will close 28 February 2025 but we may interview suitable candidates prior to this date.
We pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which Melanoma Institute Australia works, and their Elders both past and present, and acknowledge the deep, continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the land, waters, and sky.