Laboratory Technician & Senior Laboratory Technician - Genomics

Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF) is experiencing remarkable growth, and we are inviting talented individuals like you to expand your career and join us on our exciting journey.

About us

AGRF is a not-for-profit organisation committed to quality and innovation. AGRF provides the gateway to a national network of essential genomic technology, expertise and innovation through our main laboratory operations located at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Melbourne, and laboratories located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney,

We seek to empower Australia to be recognised for world-class genomics and innovation. By collaborating and sharing our knowledge and expertise, and providing local access to innovative and state-of-the-art genomic technologies, we enable Australian academia and industry to advance leading-edge genomic research internationally. We are a team of dependable, collaborative and innovative thinkers who are empowered to generate and deliver solutions to the scientific community.

Your new role

We are seeking two motivated and experienced individuals to join our team in full time contract Laboratory Technician and Senior Laboratory Technician roles, with an immediate start for a period of 12 months. Working hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday with a roster for working 2 Saturdays per month. When working on a Saturday you will not be rostered on a weekday of that fortnight.

These roles support the delivery of high-quality, genomics services operating from AGRF’s NATA accredited laboratory in Melbourne. These roles require both hands on laboratory and project management skills, as well as the ability to actively liaise with clients and staff on a local and national scale. You will work as part of a team to deliver NATA accredited sequencing services.

You will be working across a range of genomic workflows including Next Generation Sequencing and Sanger Sequencing. You will receive and sort incoming samples, perform quality control checks, prepare samples for sequencing or genotyping, carry out routine maintenance on analysers and related equipment and assist with inventory management of laboratory reagents.

In line with AGRF's commitment to continued improvement and growth, you will also be involved in process development, and will be invited to participate in working groups across the nodes, most relevant to the role.

This is a perfect time to become a vital part of our expanding team.  Join AGRF today.

What you'll need to succeed for the Laboratory Technician position:

ESSENTIAL FOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 

• Tertiary degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry)
• Knowledge of basic laboratory processes and molecular biology techniques.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety requirements
• Basic computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Good organisational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good written and verbal communication skills 

DESIRABLE FOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and multitask efficiently and independently.
• Ability to apply critical thinking to problem solving and innovation.
• Previous experience in a service role and handling direct communication with clients.
• Previous experience utilizing general laboratory equipment, including qPCR, sequencer and automation.

What you'll need to succeed for the Senior Laboratory Technician position:

ESSENTIAL FOR SENIORLABORATORY TECHNICIAN 

• Tertiary degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry)
• Minimum 3 years' experience years of hands-on laboratory experience in high-throughput sequencing or genomics research.
• Demonstrated proficiency in various laboratory techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, and qPCR. 
• Strong technical knowledge of molecular biology methods with demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and problem solve.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety requirements
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on maintaining high-quality standards
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience in training staff.

DESIRABLE FOR SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 

• Strong knowledge of genomics, genetics, and molecular biology principles as well as current sequencing applications and methodologies. 
• Previous experience working in a NATA- certified environment
• Previous experience in a service role and handling direct communication with clients.

Are you ready to join our expanding team? Then let us know how ready you are by addressing these criteria (in detail) as part of your cover letter. Applications that do not address these criteria will not be considered.

Benefits we can offer you:

Remuneration package including 11.0% superannuation, attractive salary packaging benefits, and AGRF's employee discount program.

What you need to do now:

If any of these roles are for you, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter addressing the criteria listed under the 'What you'll need to succeed' section.

If you have any questions about the roles please call Karen Jenkins, Head of People and Culture on 03 9321 3***

Applications will close at midnight on Sunday 18th February 2024.

* Please note all applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

** No agencies please