Laboratory Technician- Molecular Diagnostics

Cancer Council NSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,900 per y

Best Workplace Awards recognition

WFH/office balance

Job summary

Cancer Council NSW invites applications for a Laboratory Technician – Molecular Diagnostics. This role focuses on DNA methylation testing and qPCR within a highly automated lab environment at the Daffodil Centre, in partnership with the University of Sydney.

You will support assay development, validation, and quality assurance, while handling DNA extraction, biobanking and LIMS workflows. The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular biology/biomedical science

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with required years’ experience in molecular biology/biomedical science.
• Experience performing PCR and qPCR assays.
• Experience in PC2 labs and accredited labs is advantageous.
• Knowledge of molecular biology principles and techniques.
• Experience using automated liquid handling systems and LIMS.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience performing DNA methylation testing in diagnostic or research labs.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA methylation and qPCR testing with assay prep, QC, result review and validation support.
• Develop, optimise and troubleshoot molecular assays; investigate issues and implement CAPA.
• Operate and maintain automated molecular platforms (PCR, liquid handlers, quality instruments).
• Maintain accurate documentation; ensure SOP compliance and participate in audits and QA initiatives.
• Assist with specimen accessioning, DNA extraction, biobanking and LIMS workflows; manage sample inventory.
• Promote safety and support training to maintain a strong safety culture.
• Contribute to lab operations as required.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with required years of experience in molecular biology/biomedical science; plus specific assay experience.
• Experience in diagnostic or research settings with DNA methylation testing.

Skills

Molecular biology concepts

PCR and qPCR

DNA methylation testing

LIMS

Automated liquid handling

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Communication skills

ISO 15189/NATA knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology/Biomedical Science

Master’s degree in Molecular Biology/Biomedical Science

Tools

Hamilton liquid handling

EpMotion

QuantStudio PCR systems

Agilent TapeStation

LIMS

Job description

Laboratory Technician- Molecular Diagnostics

Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) is a community funded and focused not for profit. We are the largest cancer charity inNSWand 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 peopleimpactedby 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 CCNSWyou’llknow that each day the workyou’redoing will positivelyimpactpeople in your life and Australia.

About the team / About the role:

The Daffodil Centre, a partnership between Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney, is a leading cancer research centre that translates population and health services research into evidence-based policy and practice. The Centre is establishing a molecular diagnostics and translational research laboratory focused on DNA methylation-based diagnostics, processing a wide range of clinical specimens for both diagnostic testing and research. Using advanced automated platforms, including Hamilton and EpMotion liquid handlers, QuantStudio PCR systems, Agilent TapeStation technology and an integrated LIMS, the laboratory supports high-throughput DNA analysis, assay development and biobanking operations.

Reporting to the Laboratory Manager, the Laboratory Technician – Molecular Diagnostics is responsible for performing, optimising and troubleshooting molecular diagnostic and research assays, with a focus on DNA methylation testing and qPCR. The role supports assay development, validation, quality assurance and routine testing, while working within a highly automated laboratory environment. The incumbent also contributes to sample processing, data review, reporting, biobanking, DNA extraction and LIMS workflows to ensure operational flexibility and continuity.

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” Awardas well asXref“Best Workplace” in 2025.
• A balanced organisational approach to WFH and office
• Additionalperformance-based leaveavailable.
• Work for purpose and know that your work fosters an engaged,diverseand culturally aware organisation.
• Discounts available for everyday expenses such as private health,retailand fitness

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Perform DNA methylation and qPCR testing, including assay preparation, quality control, result review and support for validation activities.
• Support the development, optimisation and troubleshooting of molecular assays, investigating testing issues and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot automated molecular laboratory platforms, including PCR systems, liquid handling robots and DNA quality assessment instruments.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, ensure compliance with SOPs and accreditation requirements, and participate in audits, training and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist with specimen accessioning, DNA extraction, biobanking and sample inventory management, while maintaining accurate records within the LIMS.
• Promote and maintain a safe workplace by complying with health and safety policies, supporting training requirements and contributing to a strong safety culture.
• Other duties as requested that may be required for the lab operation.
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 5+ years’ experience in molecular biology, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology or related discipline OR Master’s degree with 2+ years’ experience in molecular biology, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology or related discipline.
• Experience performing PCR and qPCR assays.
• Work experience in a PC2 lab and accredited labs would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of molecular biology principles and techniques.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience performing DNA methylation testing within a diagnostic or research laboratory environment.
• Experience using automated liquid handling systems and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Knowledge of laboratory quality and accreditation standards, including ISO 15189, NATA and NPAAC requirements.

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 torepresentthe 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 tosubmityour application, pleaseget in touch withBlayze Thomas at*******@nswcc.org.au