Laboratory Manager

About us 

Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) is a community funded and focused not for profit. We are the largest cancer charity in NSW and our point of difference is that we work across every area of every cancer, from research right through to support. 

At CCNSW we understand that nothing feels better than doing work you really care about. As Australia’s leading organisation supporting all people impacted by all cancers, we understand how good it feels to make a difference. We know that almost 1 in 2 Australians are affected by cancer during their lifetime, by joining the passionate team at CCNSW you’ll know that each day the work you’re doing will positively impact people in your life and Australia.  

About the team/About the role:

The Daffodil Centre is a strategic initiative of the Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) and the University of Sydney, underpinned by a formal affiliation and collaboration agreement. As a world-leading population and health services cancer research centre, it provides key evidence to influence policy decisions and real-world improvements along the cancer continuum. It has a key focus on precision cancer prevention, screening, early detection and policy relevant outcomes. The Centre combines the complementary strengths of CCNSW and the University of Sydney to create a centre of national and international research excellence where research results in real-world change that reduces the burden of cancer in the community.

CCNSW is establishing a new PC2-compliant molecular research laboratory to support its expanding epigenetics and precision cancer prevention programs, led by the Director. This is an exciting opportunity to build and run a brand-new research laboratory from the ground up, helping to establish the physical infrastructure, operational systems, and scientific workflows that will underpin the Centre's long-term research mission. The Centre is committed to supporting the Laboratory Manager through this establishment phase, providing strong organisational backing for the infrastructure, governance, and operational systems required to get the facility up and running.

The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operational effectiveness of the Daffodil Centre's PC2 molecular research laboratory - a high-throughput, robotic-based DNA methylation (DNAme) pipeline established to support precision cancer prevention research under the direction of Professor Martin Widschwendter. The overarching goal of this work is the development and validation of DNAme-based tests that can be deployed as in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) in Australia and, ultimately, rolled out globally - translating epigenetic science directly into clinical tools for precision cancer prevention. Once the laboratory is operational, the role will also involve working closely with the research team to optimise and refine laboratory protocols - this is not a purely operational role, and we are looking for someone who combines strong laboratory management capability with genuine scientific curiosity and the technical skill to actively improve the science.

About the benefits: 

• Generous salary packaging options that can increase your take home pay by paying certain expenses using pre-tax dollars up to $15,900 a year. 

• Recognised for Voice Project's 2021 and 2023 "Best Workplace" Award as well as Xref “Best Workplace” in 2025. 

• A balanced organisational approach to WFH and office   

• Additional performance-based leave available. 

• Work for purpose and know that your work fosters an engaged, diverse and culturally aware organisation. 

• Discounts available for everyday expenses such as private health, retail and fitness 

Key responsibilities of the role: 

Establishment of the Laboratory,

• Lead the practical commissioning of the new PC2 molecular research laboratory, coordinating with the Strategy & Operations Manager, Director, and University of Sydney support functions (WHS, biosafety).
• Accept, review, and localise standard operating procedures (SOPs) provided by University of Sydney, consulting partners, and the originating EUTOPS laboratory in Innsbruck (Austria), ensuring all protocols are fit for the Australian regulatory and institutional context.
• Establish chemical storage and management systems compliant with applicable WHS legislation, Safe Work NSW requirements, and AS/NZS standards for laboratory chemical management.

Ongoing Laboratory Management,

• Supervise a team of laboratory technicians and research assistants, including day-to-day task allocation, training and development, and performance management.
• Manage laboratory safety and WHS compliance on an ongoing basis, maintaining up-to-date risk registers, safety data sheets, emergency procedures, and staff training records.
• Oversee reagent and consumable procurement, supplier relationships, and laboratory budget management in coordination with the Strategy & Operations Manager.
• Maintain instrument service schedules and arrange preventive maintenance and calibration for all laboratory equipment, including coordination with vendors (Hamilton, Eppendorf, BD Biosciences, Thermo Fisher, Agilent).
• Collaborate with the research team to troubleshoot and refine DNAme pipeline protocols for translation as the lab matures.

About you: 

Essential: 

• A relevant tertiary qualification in molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, or a closely related discipline; postgraduate qualifications with experience or research background in epigenetics or DNA methylation are highly regarded.
• Relevant mandatory vaccinations may be required related to the PC2 molecular research laboratory.
• Demonstrated management experience in a laboratory field. · Familiarity with Australian biosafety regulatory frameworks including AS/NZS 2243.3 and WHS Act obligations for PC2 laboratories.
• Demonstrated experience in the day-to-day management of a molecular or translational research laboratory, including supervision of technical staff. Experience in a high-throughput or process-driven laboratory environment is an advantage.
• Proven practical experience with molecular biology techniques relevant to the research program, including qPCR, liquid handling automation, cell-based assays, or NGS library preparation.
• Demonstrated experience establishing or significantly contributing to laboratory WHS management systems, including bisulfite conversion, DNA methylation analysis (e.g. MethyLight qPCR or equivalent quantitative DNAme assays), liquid handling automation, cell-based assays (FACS/MACS sorting), and/or NGS library preparation.

Desirable: 

• Experience commissioning a new laboratory, including equipment installation, SOP development from external sources, and build-out of WHS systems from scratch.
• Experience with Hamilton liquid-handling platforms or equivalent high-throughput robotic systems, particularly in the context of nucleic acid extraction, bisulfite conversion, or high-throughput DNAme workflows.
• Familiarity with DAFF biosecurity import requirements for biological specimens (BICON permit processes) or equivalent import/export regulatory experience.

CCNSW is an inclusive place to volunteer and work.  We embrace diversity, celebrate our differences, and inspire each person to be their authentic self at work.  As we strive to represent the communities we serve, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse groups. 

If you require any adjustments to submit your application, please get in touch with Blayze Thomas at careers@nswcc.org.au  

Apply online by visiting our website directly (via the ‘Apply’ button above),  then submit your cover letter and resume.