Genomics Research Assistant

Western Sydney Local Health District; Sydney; On-site; AUD 50,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Sydney Local Health District – Westmead NSW offers a temporary full-time Technical Officer Grade 1/Grade 2 role at Westmead Hospital. You will join the Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology – Public Health, contributing to translational research and infectious disease testing to improve public health outcomes.

You'll support pathogen genomics, laboratory testing and collaboration with researchers, clinicians and lab professionals, while gaining experience across microbial

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Pathology or Diploma in Laboratory Technology required.
• Experience in molecular biology or microbiology laboratory settings.
• Ability to work in a team environment and autonomously to deliver results.
• Strong data entry and MS Office skills.
• Good communication across diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Support pathogen genomics and laboratory testing, including clinical specimen handling, preparation, storage, processing and disposal.
• Maintain accurate research and laboratory records, complete data entry, manage reagents and contribute to stock control and ordering.
• Monitor quality control results, investigate issues and contribute to the accuracy, reliability and validation of laboratory testing.
• Liaise confidently with patients, customers, researchers, clinicians, medical practitioners and research partners to support responsive service delivery.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshoot issues and contribute to research meetings, scientific discussions and continuous improvement.

Skills

Molecular biology

Microbiology

Teamwork

Time management

Communication

MS Office

Data entry

Education

Certificate IV in Pathology

Diploma in Laboratory Technology

Job description

Western Sydney Local Health District – Westmead NSW

• Apply genomics to real-world infectious diseases research
• Join a leading public health microbiology reference centre
• Make an impact across research, diagnostics and diverse communities

Build your genomics experience and contribute to translational research that improves infectious disease testing and public health outcomes.

Employment Type:Temporary Full Time (up to 12 months)
Position Classification:Technical Officer Grade 1 / Grade 2
Remuneration: $35.97 - $51.82 per hour
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: Westmead Hospital

Where you'll be working

Based at Westmead Hospital, you'll join the Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology – Public Health, a major public health microbiology reference centre affiliated with the Sydney Medical School and Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute at the University of Sydney.

You'll work within a growing, collaborative and multidisciplinary environment where laboratory science, clinical practice and research come together to address important public health challenges.

• Contribute to a grant-funded initiative delivering pathogen genomics services to culturally and linguistically diverse communities across Western Sydney.
• Work alongside researchers, microbiologists, clinicians and laboratory professionals in an applied research setting.
• Gain exposure to microbial genomics, molecular laboratory workflows, clinical specimens and translational research.
• Build relationships with research partners and a diverse range of clinical and community stakeholders.
• Be part of a team committed to scientific excellence, quality, innovation and better health outcomes.

What you'll be doing

You'll support the delivery of community-based translational research, applying microbial genomic testing and laboratory science to real-world infectious disease challenges.

• Support pathogen genomics and laboratory testing, including clinical specimen handling, preparation, storage, processing and disposal.
• Maintain accurate research and laboratory records, complete data entry, manage reagents and contribute to stock control and ordering.
• Monitor quality control results, investigate issues and contribute to the accuracy, reliability and validation of laboratory testing.
• Liaise confidently with patients, customers, researchers, clinicians, medical practitioners and research partners to support responsive service delivery.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshoot issues and contribute to research meetings, scientific discussions and continuous improvement.

Make a difference with NSW Health

Grow your genomics career, collaborate with leading experts and contribute to research that improves public health.

Qualification: Certificate IV in Pathology or Diploma in Laboratory Technology or an equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution with subjects relevant to pathology or medical laboratory operations.

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the area of molecular biology or microbiology, including laboratory experience (e.g. clinical sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, PCR or sequencing) and experience collecting and/or handling clinical specimens.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment whilst working autonomously to deliver results within specified time frames set to meet customers’ expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and competing priorities.
• High level oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
• Proven computer and digital literacy, including proficiency in MS Office and data entry skills.

Requisition ID: REQ696421
Applications Close: 29 September 2026

For inquiries about the role, contact Lou Orszulak on ************@health.nsw.gov.au.

People with disabilities who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply; and where required, WSLHD will implement reasonable adjustment consistent with industry standard.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants by providing information about applying for roles in NSW Health organisations. For more information, please visit https://www.steppingup.health.nsw.gov.au/

Westmead Hospital car parking allocation model is changing. There is a waitlist for parking for new staff commencing at Westmead Hospital. This does not apply for staff with disability.

Please note: In accordance with NSW Health policy, priority will be given to Australian citizens and permanent residents. A person who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident is only eligible for temporary employment for a period not longer than the duration of their current visa or the advertised position.