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Research Assistant Multiple positions (Centre for Molecular Oncology)

• Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week)
• Positions: Multiple positions available across different teams, see details below.
• Duration: Fixed Term until 31^st December 2027 (possible extension, funding dependant)
• Remuneration: $92,265 base, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading 
• Work rights required: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
• Location: Kensington, Sydney (hybrid working model, 3 days on-site)

The Organisation

The Centre for Molecular Oncology is a new research centre established at UNSW which is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer. The Centre applies basic, translational and clinical approaches to understanding cancer biology through patient-centred discovery programs and uses this information to improve patient outcomes through clinical trials. 

The Research Assistant plays a key role, specifically to assist in the coordination of activities related to the Cancer Screening Program (CaSP) and the SMOC surveillance study nationally. This may include contact with patients, liaison with clinicians and medical services, data quality checking and study reporting. The position involves maintaining a high level of accuracy, attention to detail and professional communication when handling patient information and coordinating research activities.

The types of roles we have available and specific skills required

We are looking for multiple Research Assistants to work within individual teams (see summary below). In the application process, you will be asked to select your preferred team(s) based on your skillset and interest. Full position descriptions for each role are attached to this advert, please fully review the requirements before making a selection.  

• CaSP Molecular Oncology Board (MOB) team: you will assist with the coordination of activities related to the Omico MOB, including the review of clinico-pathological patient data and dissemination of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) results and MOB reports to referring medical oncologists. Candidates with excellent written communication skills and a science-based undergraduate degree, particularly with an understanding of biochemistry and/or molecular biology, will be highly regarded.
• CaSP Referrals team: you will assist with the co-ordination of activities related to clinician referrals to CaSP, including the review of clinico-pathological patient data and communicating with referring clinicians.  Candidates with excellent communication skills, prior clinical experience and a science-based undergraduate degree, particularly with an understanding of molecular biology, will be highly regarded.
• CaSP Consents team: you will assist with the co-ordination of activities related to consenting patients to CaSP for comprehensive genomic profiling, including communicating with patients and family members.  Candidates with excellent communication skills, prior experience with patients and a relevant undergraduate degree will be highly regarded.
• Research requests team: you will assist with the co-ordination of activities related to researchers seeking access to biobanked biospecimens and associated data.  Candidates with excellent written communication skills and a science-based undergraduate degree, particularly with an understanding of biochemistry and/or molecular biology, will be highly regarded.
• Surveillance study (SMOC) team: you will assist with the co-ordination of activities related to the SMOC whole body MRI surveillance study including co-ordinating patient appointments, clinical data collection and data entry and biospecimen collection. Candidates with excellent communication skills, prior experience with patients and a relevant undergraduate degree will be highly regarded.

Some key skills required:

• Relevant tertiary qualification or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training or experience.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining complex databases and performing high-volume data entry with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience in the implementation, coordination and management of clinical research projects will be highly regarded.
• Review and interpret clinical, pathological and patient information to support research activities, ensuring data is accurate.
• Accurately enter, maintain and validate patient and research data, ensuring the integrity, quality and security of research records and databases.
• Excellent written communication skills, with a high level of interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated and applied knowledge/understanding of HREC and governance applications.
• Demonstrated skills in project management, software packages (e.g., Office Suite).

Please refer to the position description for full details.

UNSW Benefits and Culture 

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​ 
• Flexible working ​ 
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​ 
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​ 
• Progressive HR practices​ 

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.  

Pre-Employment Checks:

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

How to apply:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below. Please provide a resume and a separate document addressing the skills and experience listed in the Position Description. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contacts for each role:

• Beverley Murrow (MOB team) - b.murrow@unsw.edu.au
• Isabelle Danos (Consents team) - i.danos@unsw.edu.au         
• Laura Manuel (Referrals and Research Requests) - laura.manuel@unsw.edu.au
• Ellie Carpenter (SMOC team) – ellie.carpenter@unsw.edu.au

Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate

E:  f.mchenry@unsw.edu.au    

Applications close: Wednesday 4^th November before 11.30pm Sydney time

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.