Join Our Team:

We're looking for Laboratory Technicians to join our dedicated, friendly, and collaborative team. You'll work alongside clinical variant curators, clinical bioinformaticians, laboratory technicians, laboratory scientists, clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors, and research scientists. Reporting to the Team Leader - Sequencing, your role may also involve regular work in other areas, such as DNA extraction.

Your Role:

As a Laboratory Technician, you'll thrive in our fast-paced and dynamic environment. Your primary responsibilities will include assisting in the development and delivery of sequencing and related services for both research and diagnostic purposes. This encompasses a wide range of work, from genomic and exomic sequencing to transcriptomics and methylation arrays. Your role will adapt to the evolving priorities of VCGS and MCRI, including our Acute Care Genomics service.

Your Commitment:

We expect our Laboratory Technicians to excel both independently and as part of our close-knit team. Depending on service requirements, you may be asked to participate in rotating (on-call) rosters for after-hours and weekend work.

If you're passionate about genomics, cutting-edge technology, and working with a team dedicated to advancing the frontiers of genetics, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Help us drive discoveries and make a meaningful impact on the future of healthcare. Join our Sequencing Service and Development Platform today!

Your responsibilities include:

• DNA extraction (including from FFPE samples) using manual and automated workflows
• Handling and processing a variety of specimen (DNA and RNA) and specimen details, patient data and administrative detail
• Data entry into Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for specimen and laboratory processes
• Ensure consumers are able to exercise their rights and responsibilities e.g. adherence to MCRI Privacy policies/proper records kept to track samples
• Operate and maintain Illumina MiSeq, NovaSeq 6000, and other instruments
• Participate in quality activities, to ensure laboratory compliance with National Association of Testing Authorities and International Standardisation Organisation (NATA/ISO) and other relevant standards

About you:

• An Associate Diploma/Diploma/BSc in Biological Sciences or a related discipline plus an appropriate level of expertise gained from a combination of hands on experience, training or professional accreditation
• Understanding of specimen reception and patient information
• Demonstrable understanding of a wide range of molecular genetic techniques and technologies
• (Desired) Exposure/Experience in NGS library preparation, and sequencing on an Illumina sequencing platform
• (Desired) Experience in the use of Clarity LIMS, Labware or other laboratory inventory management systems

Who we are

Victorian Clinical Genetics Service (VCGS) is a not-for-profit subsidiary of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) www.mcri.edu.au and provides a wholly integrated genetic testing, diagnostic and counselling service for health professionals, patients and their families across Victoria, Australia and globally. Our clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors work in close consultation with our medical scientists to provide the most accurate interpretation for complex genetic tests. VCGS also plays a pivotal role in research and development, driving translational research and policy development in the field of genetics. We are committed to ensuring a positive working environment that values all backgrounds and experiences. We cultivate an inclusive culture that is underpinned by equal opportunity for all and a culture based on respect, consideration and dignity. We are also committed to developing our people and fostering an environment where learning and development is central to our staff reaching their full potential.

For more information, please refer to the position description.

To be considered, applicants should submit:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Responses to selection criteria via the position description

Please submit your application in one combined pdf document.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.