Assay Scientist - Manufacture of Cell Therapies - REQ565971
Position Classification: Health Mgr Lvl 1
Remuneration: 84436 - 98,386 (Base to mid-level of HSM1 scale) - Full time equivalent base salary range (excludes super, leave loading and salary packaging)
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ565971
Sydney Children's Hospitals Network is the largest paediatric health care entity in Australia. We care for thousands of children each year in our hospitals and in their homes — with one purpose in mind — to help young people live their healthiest lives.
Click here to learn more about our Network
Additional Information:
- An eligibility list may be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
Assay Scientist - Manufacture of Cellular Therapeutics
The Children’s Cancer Research Unit (CCRU) is a well-established and highly regarded translational research team within Kid’s Research at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and based in the thriving and expanding Westmead Research Precinct with close ties to the University of Sydney. The Advanced Cellular Therapeutics group (ACT) within CCRU is poised to translate in-house developed cellular therapeutics, specifically CAR T cells into Phase I clinical trials for our young sarcoma patients and is looking to recruit an Assay Scientist, for the generation and testing of exciting cellular therapeutics, like CAR T cells in a cGMP compliant manner for clinical use.
Cellular therapies is an area of research strength and growth in the Westmead Precinct with significant new investment in local production facilities and expansion of clinical trials capability. This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for anyone with a science background with experience in cell and molecular biology and who wants to get trained in clinical production and testing of cellular therapeutics and is passionate about treating children with cancer.
The role will involve undertaking laboratory-based research and development, in PC2 laboratories, for the generation of confirmatory data (molecular and cell biological assays) required for an early phase clinical trials application. It will also involve manufacture of CAR T cells in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, using lentiviral particles in PC2 cleanroom facilities. Depending on the experience of the successful candidate, there will be an opportunity to be involved in exciting preclinical development of other novel cellular therapeutics targeting novel tumour antigens, assist in and develop in vitro functional assays and assist in murine studies for in vivo studies. For enquiries: Dr Kavitha Gowrishankar email: Kavitha.Gowrishankar@health.nsw.gov.au
What you'll be doing
Under the supervision of the Advanced Cellular Therapeutics Program Leads (Scientific and Clinical) the AS will develop and validate assays required for clinical application of genetically modified immune cells and undertake manufacturing processes, including document and support processes.
The Assay Scientist will be a member of the Children’s Cancer Research Unit’s (CCRU) Advanced Cellular Therapeutics (ACT) team which develops novel immune therapies. The ACT team are currently developing Chimeric Antigen Receptor and transgenic T cell receptor (CAR and TCR) therapies for paediatric cancer using cutting edge technologies in advanced molecular/cell biology and immunology.
The CCRU also carries out various preclinical and translational laboratory research in paediatric cancer, including molecular genomic analysis of cancer predisposition, cancer cell biology, advanced molecular diagnostics, all aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer with poor prognosis.
- Extensive practical experience in cell and tissue culture of adherent and suspension mammalian cells/PBMCs; PBMC isolation from whole blood.
- Demonstrated skills in a) the preparation of biological samples for testing, including DNA, RNA and protein extraction. b) in performing highly technical assays such as cell based biological assays, qPCR, ddPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, cytotoxicity assays.
- Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team, and/or work independently while strictly following Standard Operating Procedures and adhering to quality system guidelines and standards.
- Experience in documentation of science based technical protocols and processes.
- Knowledge and understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) for Human Blood & Tissues or Biologics, as well as, relevant clinical trial frameworks in one or more of ANZ, US or EU
- Demonstrated effective, collaborative and professional communication skills, time management skills and timely delivery of required deliverables.
- Desirable: Strong immunology, cell biology and molecular biology background; lentiviral transduction of primary cells; experience with magnetic selection of cell subsets; cell therapy manufacture; experience in research output, published work, presentations at conferences and seminars; training of junior staff and students; interest in being involved in research projects.
SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity - we acknowledge the vibrancy that a diverse workforce brings to enhance both our workplace culture and our service delivery to children, young people and their families and carers. We encourage all suitably qualified applicants to apply. If you identify as an Indigenous Australian or as a person with a disability, please contact us if you would like some more information about our recruitment process.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We recognise the value of Aboriginal staff providing health care to Aboriginal children and families that access the services we provide at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. Aboriginal job applicants are encouraged to visit the NSW Health Aboriginal Recruitment tool, Stepping Up to assist in preparing your application.
Please refer to the Application Guide and NSW Policy Directive PD2024_015 Occupational Assessment Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases for vaccination requirements.
This position requires a Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Office of the Children’s Guardian. For more information on how to apply for the clearance, please visit the Office of the Children’s Guardian Website https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/
NSWHealth is committed to child safety in line with the Child Safe Standards. SCHN is committed to maintaining a child safe culture that upholds the rights of children and young people. We strive to ensure children and young people feel safe, supported, and are included in their care. Existing staff of SCHN and those seeking employment are required to prioritise the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people in their care and take action to keep them safe from harm and abuse.
Applicants holding visas with working rights may be considered for temporary appointment (up to the expiry date of their visa) where no suitable local applicant is identified.
Please note: To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Kavitha Gowrishankar on Kavitha.Gowrishankar@health.nsw.gov.au
If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander wishing to apply for this role and want to speak with an Aboriginal person/representative from the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network please contact Wayne Dargan on wayne.dargan@health.nsw.gov.au
For technical support please contact the customer services team on 1300 679 367 and select option 3.
Applications Close: 11/04/2025
