• Work with one of Australia’s most respected national and independent medical research institutes
• Located in Westmead, one of Sydney’s major biomedical research hubs
• Base Salary Range ($101 - $110K) + Super + Salary Packaging benefit

Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is one of the nation’s most highly regarded independent medical research centres. CMRI’s research programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and committed research and support staff. The NSW Cancer Research Peptide Synthesis Facility (PSF) was established at CMRI in 2018 through a combination of Cancer Institute NSW and NHMRC grant funding as well as funding from The University of Sydney and CMRI. It’s purpose is to enable rapid synthesis of large numbers of peptides in small quantities (peptide "arrays"), and larger quantities as needed to fill a major existing gap in research capability, and enhance the work of cancer researchers across NSW. PSF provides peptide synthesis and purification services to researchers and organisations who require peptides or peptide arrays for their research and development activities.

Applications are invited for the position of the Staff Scientist, Peptide Synthesis Scientific Lead in the Peptide Synthesis Facility (PSF).

The successful applicant will be involved in managing the day-to-day operation of the PSF including being responsible for:

• Communication and consultation with researchers and customers both within and external to CMRI
• Promoting PSF and fostering researcher ad customer relationships
• Production of synthetic peptides for research purposes
• Ensuring timely and dependable delivery of all PSF services
• Supervise junior team members as the PSF grows
• Quality control and quality management
• Maintenance of the laboratory and equipment
• Preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Implementation of continual improvement initiatives

The candidate will be expected to manage and conduct multiple concurrent projects, while concurrently liaising with the facility users, and supervising junior members of the team as the PSF grows. The position involves undertaking routine tasks related to the maintenance of the laboratory and preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). The successful candidate will also be expected to stay on top of peptide synthesis methods and technology, improving and expanding upon existing capability.

The successful candidate must hold the postgraduate qualification (preferentially PhD) in chemistry with relevant peptide synthesis experience. Preference will be given to applicants with hands-on experience in customised peptide synthesis design/development and production for research purposes.

The candidate must have demonstrated the ability to work independently, manage multiple competing priorities and integrate work initiatives into the overall facility goals, while meeting appropriate deadlines. Furthermore, preference will be given to candidate with experience in managing team of people, including managing day-to-day activities as well as long-term research plans and performing staff training. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel are required. Applications are encouraged from enthusiastic and motivated individuals with excellent technical ability and communication skills.

This position will allow the successful candidate to get involved with large number of exciting and cutting-edge projects directly aiming at understanding mechanisms of various genetic diseases and development of patient specific treatment options. Where appropriate, the candidate may contribute to research publications, present data at scientific meetings and support the preparation of grant applications.

The successful applicant will be provided with a competitive remuneration package in accordance with qualifications and experience. Additional benefits include the provision of a Public Benevolent Institution salary packaging scheme and participation in an employer-contributed superannuation fund. This appointment is initially for a fixed term of 12 months and continuing tenure is subject to satisfactory performance, the availability of funding and the requirements of research projects.

Applications should include a cover letter (citing PV2215), curriculum vitae and contact details (phone/email) of three professional referees, and be forwarded to recruitment@cmri.org.au

Closing date for applications is 5pm on 15^th April. Interviews may commence as we received suitable candidates.