Genomic Postdoctoral Scientist

Date: 14 Jan 2025

Site: VCCC (Parkville)

Location:

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Unit: Cancer Genomics TRC

Division: Cancer Research

Department: Laboratory Research

Enterprise Agreement: Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sect

Cancer Genomics TRC

At Peter Mac we aim to continuously improve cancer care, research and education across all cancers and for all people affected by cancer: changing lives, breaking new ground. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values, Excellence, Compassion and Innovation. Welcoming people from a wide variety of different backgrounds and experiences is critical to fostering innovation, cultivating compassion, attracting and retaining top talent and providing the best possible cancer care for our patients.

YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE

Genomic postdoctoral scientist

12-months Fixed-Term, Full-Time
80 hours per fortnight with Monthly ADO's
Level A Equivalent [1RA7-1RA10 depending on experience]

The Translational Research Centres are a key initiative at Peter Mac, driving world-leading translational research by providing a specialised expertise and access to cutting edge technologies and providing a fundamentally important translational interface between clinical and laboratory research.

The Cancer Genomics Translational Research Centre requires a highly motivated and skilled genomic postdoctoral scientist with expertise in cancer genomics, next generation sequencing and nucleic acid sample processing. The scientist will primarily focus on experimental analysis of DNA methylation of cell-free DNA samples from multiple myeloma patients.

The ideal candidate will meet the following essential requirements:

PhD, or equivalent with at least 2 years postdoctoral experience in Cancer Genomics, Molecular pathology, Cancer biology or related area/discipline.
Ability to extract and quantify nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from various clinical biospecimens including tissue and blood/plasma
Experience in performing different types of library preparation (whole genome sequencing, targeted hybridisation capture sequencing, ChIP, ATAC, 3’RNA and others) or PCR-based methods (e.g. digital PCR, qPCR) on different types of samples (cell lines, FFPE material, ctDNA, sorted cells RNA and others).
A strong understanding of sequencing methodologies including through Illumina based sequencing platforms.
A solid understanding of cancer research, cancer genomics and cancer biomarkers.
Ability to work both independently and work within a team
Excellent organisational and time management skills
High quality written and oral communication skills
Flexibility and ability to develop new skills

The ideal candidate may also display the following desirable skills:

Experience in bioinformatic and statistical analysis (via command line, advanced r), particular in single cell or spatial based applications
Experience in the use of robotics platform for sample preparation

For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position summary. Alternatively, please contact us using the information below for a confidential discussion.

Hiring Manager: Stephen Wong
Email: Stephen.wong@petermac.org

Applications Close: 5th February 2025

Position Summary

The Translational Research Centres are a key initiative at Peter Mac, driving world-leading translational research by providing a specialised expertise and access to cutting edge technologies and providing a fundamentally important translational interface between clinical and laboratory research.

The Cancer Genomics Translational Research Centre requires a highly motivated and skilled genomic postdoctoral scientist with expertise in cancer genomics, next generation sequencing and nucleic acid sample processing. The scientist will primarily focus on experimental analysis of DNA methylation of cell-free DNA samples from multiple myeloma patients.

Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

In conjunction with the Head of the Cancer Genomics TRC, the scientist will work with collaborators to commission, design, conduct and report on defined academic and commercial translational research projects.
Be responsible for coordinating the logistics and provide expert guidance in multiple other translational research projects within the Cancer Genomics Translational Research Centre.
Data entry and maintenance of patient and specimen records, database entry and management.
Biospecimen processing, including ficoll separation of blood and extraction of nucleic acids from various clinical biospecimens such as tissue and blood/plasma.
Performing next generation sequencing such as targeted hybridisation capture, RNA-seq and whole genome sequencing.
The analysis of circulating tumour DNA through techniques such as digital PCR.
Assistance with method development and workflow improvements at the direction of the Head of the Cancer Genomics TRC.
Assistance with TRC administration such as stock keeping, writing and maintaining protocols and SOPS.

Enterprise Agreement

Allied Health Professionals Enterprise Agreement

Classification or Salary Range

Level A, 1RA7 - 1RA10

Immunisation Risk Category

Category A: Position involving direct patient contact, potential for exposure to blood, body fluid, human tissue specimens during course of a normal working day

Key Relationships

Internal	Head, Cancer Genomics Translational Research Centre Cancer Genomics TRC staff Staff in other Translational Research Centres (TRCs) Research Division and other PeterMac staff Students and other researchers Molecular Genomics Core Facility
External	Researchers from national and international research institutions and universities Clinician researchers Vendors and suppliers External genomic facilities

Skills

Essential Requirements

PhD, or equivalent with at least 2 years postdoctoral experience in Cancer Genomics, Molecular pathology, Cancer biology or related area/discipline.
Ability to extract and quantify nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from various clinical biospecimens including tissue and blood/plasma
Experience in performing different types of library preparation (whole genome sequencing, targeted hybridisation capture sequencing, ChIP, ATAC, 3’RNA and others) or PCR-based methods (e.g. digital PCR, qPCR) on different types of samples (cell lines, FFPE material, ctDNA, sorted cells RNA and others).
A strong understanding of sequencing methodologies including through Illumina based sequencing platforms.
A solid understanding of cancer research, cancer genomics and cancer biomarkers.
Ability to work both independently and work within a team
Excellent organisational and time management skills
High quality written and oral communication skills
Flexibility and ability to develop new skills

Desirable Requirements

Experience in bioinformatic and statistical analysis (via command line, advanced r), particular in single cell or spatial based applications
Experience in the use of robotics platform for sample preparation

Key Accountabilities

1. Management of translational research projects	In conjunction with the Head of the Cancer Genomics Translational Research Centre, develop, coordinate and conduct research within time and budget constraints. Design and supervision of research experiments. Project management, prioritising and ensuring the successful and timely completion of experiments and programs of work. Ensuring adequate resourcing and quality control to deliver on a diverse range of collaborative and commercial research projects. Ability to communicate effectively with project stakeholders. Preparation of high-quality experimental reports, including data analysis.
2. Research and development	Maintain a high-quality research and development program to acquire and develop genomic-based methods within the TRC including development, validating and implementation. Keeps well-informed on the latest advances in the field and display a willingness to learn and develop new skills. Engage with external partners and collaborators to establish new project-based research agreements. Liaise with the commercialisation and legal team to develop intellectual property and commercial collaboration opportunities.
3. Leadership in the Translational Research Centre	Provide effective supervision and mentoring of staff including assisting with recruitment, staff training, mentoring and professional development. Manage day to day operations for genomic based project including assistance in troubleshooting technical issues and providing guidance and interpretation of results. Managing project workloads to maintain healthy work environment. Proactively manage relationships with key internal and external collaborators and stakeholders including with clinical and laboratory scientists. Demonstration of positive, no-blame research culture that fosters a culture of open communication and accountability.
4. Compliance with TRC and Peter Mac Research policies and procedures	Show leadership and compliance with Peter Mac research expectations and a commitment to Peter Mac values Ensure processes and standards are implemented consistently with a high level of integrity and ethics including compliance with Peter Mac’s Research data management procedure. Up-to-date records of all mandatory and job-specific training courses. Prompt disclosure of any conflict of interest for all commercial or project-based research. Maintenance of commercial confidence, protection of sensitive information and compliance with any non-disclosure conditions. Mandatory reporting of safety incidents, near-misses and identified risks. Commitment to inclusive, diverse and respectful workplace culture.

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Peter Mac requires its staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this requirement.

WHY WORK FOR PETER MAC

Peter Mac offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally. Our staff benefits include award winning facilities, professional development and events, a health and wellbeing program, flexible work practices and policies and financial benefits such as salary packaging. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.