We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings 40+ years ago. However, for 4 decades, our vision has been the same — to save the lives of all children with cancer and improve their long-term health through research. It’s not if. It’s when.

To accomplish our vision, we’re seeking someone who lives our values: owning and delivering meaningful work, collaborating to drive impact, challenging the status quo to create a better future, and balancing logic with empathy. Let’s achieve more, together.

The Sarcoma Biology and Therapeutics (SBT) group at Children’s Cancer Institute is Australia’s first and only research laboratory solely focussed on sarcomas affecting the young. Our mission: finding better and kinder treatments for these young patients and make new drugs a treatment reality.

We have an exciting opportunity to join and contribute to this important research. Under the direction of and working closely with the SBT Team Leader, you will drive new research to help accelerate the discovery and clinical translation of targeted therapeutics for young sarcoma patients. This includes, but is not limited to, studying (phospho)protein signal transduction pathways, identifying new drug strategies, and trialling these in relevant models in vitro (cell lines) and in vivo (patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models; with support of other team members). The position also involves assisting in the management of other projects in the team, contributes to grant and report writing, preparation of publications, and training and co-supervision of junior researchers. Opportunities to present research findings at conferences and workshops will be provided.

To succeed you will have…

A PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Medical Sciences, Biology or equivalent
Proven ability to design and conduct experiments independently as well as in a team environment, driving research projects from conception to completion
Proven experience in studying the biology of sarcoma, ideally sarcomas affecting the young (e.g. Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma; experience on other/rare sarcoma subtypes also very welcome). Non-sarcoma background applications will be considered only if there is ample research experience in another cancer type AND strong skills in at least two of the areas mentioned below, plus a strong motivation and rationale to work on sarcomas.
Expertise in at least one (two if non-sarcoma background) of these areas: (phospho)proteomics, functional genomics (e.g. CRISPR), drug screens, systems biology/bioinformatics
Experience in standard molecular and in vitro techniques, such as Western Blot, in vitro cell culture.
Experience in in vivo modelling of sarcomas/cancer is highly desirable
Strong drive to build the preclinical data that can help inform clinical decision-making
Strong drive to stay up-to-date with latest developments in sarcoma research and research techniques, and an interest in rolling out new techniques in the team
Advanced analytical and problem solving skills with excellent attention to detail
Experience in supervision of junior research staff and students
Experience in applying for competitive grants
Strong publication record and proven drive to publish
Experience in managing multiple research projects
Demonstrated commitment to conducting experiments involving humans, animals & GMO’s under strict ethical and regulatory guidelines
Candidates that bring an established national or international collaboration network have a significant advantage

We will support you to be your best with benefits that include but are not limited to:

Focus on employee wellbeing, including up to 5 gifted wellbeing days off (paid) per year
Access to Fitness Passport, with access to an extensive choice of fitness facilities across Sydney at discounted rates
Corporate discounts and discounts on education through UNSW

Additional information about Children's Cancer Institute can be found on our website at: https://www.ccia.org.au/careers-study . We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Children’s Cancer Institute and our culture. We embrace diversity and encourage you to advise of any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 – $120,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person