Full time, Camperdown

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 1,500 melanoma patients each year.

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.

The Research Biospecimen Coordinator will help coordinate the operations of the MIA Biobank at The Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, ensuring the efficient collection, storage, and retrieval of specimens for research and clinical purposes. The role is also to provide support to the Biobank Laboratory Manager (Charles Perkins Centre) who is responsible for overseeing tissue specimen collection at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and surrounding participating sites and process specimens at the Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney. The role is to also support MIA Clinical Trials by providing specimen collection, processing, and retrieval services. The role requires a combination of scientific expertise, organisational skills, and a strong commitment to regulatory and ethical considerations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the MIA Biobank, including specimen collection, processing, storage, retrieval, and dissemination.
  • Support the Biobank Laboratory Manager (Charles Perkins Centre) as required.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, guidelines, and ethical standards for biobanking activities.
  • Coordinate with relevant personnel the collection, processing, receipt, and storage of specimens.
  • Monitor specimen quality and ensure that specimens are properly aliquoted and prepared for storage.
  • Maintain high-quality specimens by following institutional procedures and identifying and reporting needed changes.
  • Maintain safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures and complying with legal regulations.
  • Liaise with researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders to facilitate specimen requests and distribution.
  • Maintain accurate and secure records of specimen data and associated clinical and research information.
  • Coordinate the retrieval of formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sections and prepare specimens according to specific clinical trial criteria.
  • Log and maintain accurate documentation as required by clinical trial sponsors.
  • Liaise with clinical research associates, data managers, and other team members to ensure smooth clinical trial conduct.
  • Be flexible in terms of working hours which may sometimes fall outside of business hours.
  • Willingness to train at our Wollstonecraft Biobank site in order to provide leave coverage and back-up support during busy periods.

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. You will enjoy achieving outcomes and will find great satisfaction in supporting cancer patients and being part of cutting-edge research.

To be considered for this position, applicants must attach a copy of their current CV and demonstrate experience in the Essential Criteria as mentioned below in a Cover Letter.

Essential Criteria

  • Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or an equivalent experience.
  • Experience in laboratory or hospital setting.
  • Knowledge of infection control procedures.
  • Strong organisational and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
  • Proficiency in data management systems, specimen tracking software, and laboratory automation technologies.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
  • Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Desirable Criteria

  • Previous experience in Biobanking.
  • Experience in the use of a microtome and the preparation of tissue slides from FFPE blocks.

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.

Applications close 13 November 2024, but we may interview suitable candidates prior to this date.

Please apply by clicking on the button below.

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.