Laboratory Scientist

Garvan is entering the implementation stages of a major strategic planning process - Garvan 2030: Discoveries to Impact. The new strategy is designed to galvanise Garvan's researchers, professional staff, partners, donors and community around our vision of Global leadership in discoveries to impact, and to enable us to deliver on that vision - such that Garvan becomes an institute where research discoveries are taken through to patient impact (new treatments, tests and prevention approaches), on a global scale.

The Opportunity

The role involves working at the Garvan Cellular Genomics Platform overseeing and supporting the Platform's workflow on cellular genomics assays. Cost recoverable services will be provided to internal, precinct, external and commercial researchers. Each assay has detailed SOPs which require following very carefully, and unexpected issues during experiments will need to be solved in a timely manner. While training will be provided, subsequent new developments/improvements will need to be learnt, and SOPs updated and developed.

The Laboratory Scientist role will be focused primarily on single cell genomic assays including: cell captures, library preparation, quantification and QC; project sample tracking with data recording; troubleshooting and protocol development and optimisation.

This role is an on-site 2-year full time fixed term contract. Salary is dependent on experience. We also offer salary packaging on top of your base salary. Garvan supports flexible working hours. The hours for this role is generally between 8 am - 6 pm. There will be times where you will be required to start work at 10 am and finish around 6 pm. This is depending on samples that are received throughout the week.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities in this role include but are not limited to:

• Perform 10x Genomics Assays:
• Single cell (sc)/nuclei RNA sequencing (3', 5', VDJ, Flex)
• scATAC-seq
• sc Multiomics assays like: MultiOME/ATAC, CITE-seq and Hashing methods
• Single Cell/Nuclei capture as per SOPs
• Library generation
• Samples Quality Check (cells, nuclei, library)
• Optimisation and implementation of new single cell platforms and technology
• Execute all aspects of 10x Genomics single cell/nuclei RNA sequencing platforms, including troubleshooting.
• Perform single cell DNA sequencing using Tapestri Platform (Mission Bio).
• Establish and maintain excellent records of the molecular requirements and techniques for all projects handled by CGP.
• Use of Atlassian product suite (Confluence and Jira) and project tracking documents (e.g. Google office), and involvement in the development of LIMS for CGP.
• Assist in identifying areas of weakness in the CGP molecular analysis techniques and ensure the centre is adopting world best practices.
• Regularly report to the team, Laboratory Manager, and CGP Lead on project progress and/or developments
• ​Training of new staff on:
• All relevant aspects of CGP services
• Different SOPs and technology
• Safety
• Best practices

Snapshot of benefits

• Generous salary packaging ($15,900 for general household expenses and $2,650 for meal/entertainment allowance on top of base salary)
• Opportunities for ongoing training and development
• Flexible work hours.
• 18 weeks paid parental leave
• Additional days of leave including Cultural Leave and Garvan Day
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted Health Insurance
• Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

About You

To be considered for this role you must have:

• BSc (Hons) or MSc in a relevant area of science, and understanding of genomics and molecular techniques.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a molecular biology lab.
• Experience with single-cell technology is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of molecular biology protocols associated with single-cell technology and NGS particularly with Illumina platforms.
• Highly organised and excellent communicator.
• The ability to assess priorities and manage competing deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication, representation, and interpersonal skills to interact with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent customer service capability.
• Ability to manage competing responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently within a diverse team.
• Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Display initiative/drive to take on primary tasks and provide additional support where necessary.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you're the right person for this role, we'd love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.