Postdoctoral Researcher - Bowtell Laboratory

Date: 31 Oct 2024

Site: VCCC (Parkville)

Location:

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Unit: Bowtell

Division: Cancer Research

Department: Laboratory Research

Enterprise Agreement: Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sect

Bowtell

The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac) is a Victorian public health service and a world-leading comprehensive cancer centre seeking to excel across all spheres of clinical care, research and education. We have the largest cancer research enterprise in Australia and provide treatment to about 40,000 people with cancer each year. 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 top talent and providing the best possible cancer care for our patients.

YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE

Postdoctoral Researcher – Cancer Genomics & Immunology

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team exploring the genomic and immune determinants of long-term survival in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Our lab is at the forefront of ovarian cancer research in Australia, using advanced genomic tools and large clinically annotated cohorts to identify molecular features associated with patient outcomes.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will primarily investigate the importance of tumour-infiltrating B cells and plasma cells in mounting effective immune responses to ovarian cancer, in a project recently funded by the NHMRC and U.S. Department of Defense. This position is responsible for:

Competently carrying out experiments that fulfil the aims of the projects.
Completing accurate analysis and interpretation of experimental results.
Writing and publishing of research papers and participating in oral and poster presentations at conferences.
Participating in discussions, laboratory and program meetings as well as communicating effectively with others in the laboratory and the Research Division.
Support other team members to facilitate ongoing research projects whilst displaying a high level of integrity and ethics.

This position is:

12-month fixed-term, full-time
Onsite presence essential at 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Basic Salary Range: $97.770.40 - $113,262.24 AUD
Advertising from 31st October 2024 to 28th November 2024

The position involves applying single cell and spatial profiling of patient tissues, combined with cell and molecular biology techniques, to develop innovative antibody-based therapeutics.

The successful applicant will have experience in cancer genomics and cell biology, and experience in cancer immunology and/or single cell / spatial transcriptomics is highly desirable. Experience in the analysis of next generation sequencing data and competency in programming languages R and/or Python/Perl is desirable.

This position is 12-month Fixed Term Full-Time role in the first instance with potential to extend.

Applicants should provide a covering letter and resume, and must address the Essential requirements listed under Skills (Selection Criteria) in the Position Summary as a separate attachment.

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: Dr Dale Garsed
Email: Dale.Garsed@petermac.org

Applications Close: 11:59PM 28th November 2024
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Position Summary

The Bowtell Laboratory is a leading Australian human cancer genomics group and a major contributor to ovarian cancer research internationally. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Dr Dale Garsed (Senior Research Associate) and the team exploring the genomic and immune determinants of long-term survival in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC).

The role will primarily investigate the importance of tumour-infiltrating B cells and plasma cells in mounting effective immune responses to ovarian cancer, in a project recently funded by the NHMRC and U.S. Department of Defense. The successful applicant will have experience in genomics and cell biology, and experience in cancer immunology is highly desirable. The position involves bulk genomic analyses, single cell and spatial transcriptomics, immunohistochemistry, BCR/TCR sequencing, and in vitro growth assays, with assistance from the lab Bioinformaticians and the Molecular Genomics Core Facility.

The position requires a highly motivated and skilled researcher with expertise in the analysis of next-generation sequencing data. Experience working on a high-performance computing cluster and competency in programming languages R and/or Python/Perl is desirable. The individual will be responsible for driving their own specified projects, but will also work closely with researchers and clinicians within the team and collaborate with other national and international teams to help facilitate joint initiatives.

Enterprise Agreement

Allied Health Professionals

Classification or Salary Range

Level A (1RA6-1RA10)

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

Position Reports to:

Direct: Dr Dale Garsed and Professor David Bowtell

Indirect: Professor Ben Hogan

Key Relationships

Internal

Supervisors: Professor David Bowtell, Dr Dale Garsed
Members of the Bowtell Laboratory
Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS) staff
Other members of the Cancer Biology & Therapeutics Program
Cluster 6 staff and students
Core Facilities, including the Molecular Genomics Core and the Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics (VCFG)
Cancer Research Division staff and students
Other Peter Mac staff and students

External

International and national collaborators
Research and clinical funding agencies
Consumer advocates
Staff from other research institutions
Suppliers

Education

PhD

Skills

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Requirements

PhD in Cancer Genomics, Cancer Immunology or a relevant area of biological cancer research
Experience in analysing a range of genomic data, including whole-genome sequencing, targeted DNA sequencing, bulk and single cell/nuclei RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics
Experience with cell biology techniques including cell culture, conducting cell-based assays in vitro
Experience in multi-sample omic analyses, including appropriate statistics and consideration of bias
Demonstrated capacity for independent research and supervision
Extensive cancer biology knowledge and a strong interest in developing an understanding of translational research
Demonstrated ability to generate high quality research via first author publications in a relevant area
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Exceptional data management, organisational and time management skills
High quality written and oral communication skills
Flexibility and ability to develop new skills
Strong attention to detail and record keeping skills
High level of experience with computers, including demonstrated familiarity with MS windows, MS Word, MS Excel and email
An understanding of the ethical issues and government guidelines relating to the use of human tissue samples for research

Desirable Requirements

Experience in cancer immunology, including the characterisation of tumour infiltrating T & B cells, BCR/TCR sequencing/phylogeny analyses, antibody and antigen profiling
Capacity to acquire independent grant funding
Experience in the supervision and training of research staff/students
Experience in the analysis of long-read sequencing data
Experience with large-scale, multidisciplinary research studies
Experience with handling patient derived biospecimens
Proficiency with working on a high-performance computing cluster
Competency in programming languages R and/or Python/Perl

Key Accountabilities

1. Conducts rigorous, valid and ethical research both independently and as part of the laboratory team	Competently carries out experiments that fulfil the aims of the projects Excellent technical skills and eye for detail Accurate analysis and interpretation of experimental results Willingness to learn and follow instructions Ability to work independently and identify areas where extra assistance is required Regular attendance at group and program meetings Willingness to support other team members to facilitate ongoing research projects High level of integrity and ethics Complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner
2. Communication of research outcomes	Writing and publishing of research papers Oral and poster presentations at conferences Participation in discussions, laboratory and program meetings Ability to communicate effectively with others in the laboratory and the Research Division Presentation of results to other members of the team, collaborators, and the scientific community, including consumers, funders and advocacy groups Excellent oral and written communication skills
3. Input into the administrative and management functions of the laboratory	Contributes to discussions, laboratory and program meetings Provides help and regular feedback to laboratory staff and students Complete research-based grant/fellowship reports and applications Maintain/apply for ethics board approvals and submit reports as necessary

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

4. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues

Good working relationships with others both within the laboratory and Peter Mac broadly
Ability to work in a team
Willingness to help others as required

5. Continuous Quality Improvement

Infection Control.

Adheres to the principles of Infection Control in accordance with Peter Mac policies and procedures.

Occupational Health & Safety.

Takes all reasonable steps to ensure a safe environment. Understands emergency procedures and location of emergency equipment

Privacy.

Adheres to the Peter Mac privacy policy

6. Human Resource Management

Human Resources.

Takes all reasonable steps to prevent bullying, discrimination and harassment in the workplace

Performance Development & Review.

Participates in and/or conducts annual performance development and review

Recruitment & Selection.

Adheres to Peter Mac policy

Performance Management.

Adheres to Peter Mac policy

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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.