Molecular Laboratory Scientist - NGS / Kolling Institute

AGRF Ltd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Device from pre-tax income

Employee discounts

Parental leave

AGR F Grant Days

Professional development

Job summary

AGRF is seeking a Molecular Laboratory Scientist to join the Kolling Institute in St Leonards, Sydney. You will validate workflows, write procedures and train staff as AXELIOS 1 is brought into service; deliver genomics services to researchers, clinicians and industry partners nationwide.

You will perform complex molecular biology and genomics procedures, operate sequencers, analyze data, and troubleshoot. The role involves cross-project work with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or 5 years' experience in a molecular laboratory.
• Knowledge of laboratory processes and molecular biology techniques.
• Proficient in Word and Excel.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology and genomics procedures, including NGS library preparation and sequencing, per SOPs.
• Operate, maintain and calibrate sequencing platforms; keep records meeting NATA requirements.
• Analyze data with scientific judgment and flag unusual results.
• Troubleshoot assays and workflows; support clients with senior staff.
• Contribute to developing and validating new assays and bringing AXELIOS 1 into service.
• Train laboratory staff; support inventory, BOM and weekly invoicing/WIP.
• Identify and escalate quality issues through CAPA process.
• Provide timely, accurate responses to clients and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Molecular biology

Documentation

Communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

LIMS

Job description

Molecular Laboratory Scientist - NGS / Kolling Institute

Molecular Laboratory Scientist
Help bring Roche's AXELIOS 1 sequencing platform into service at the Kolling Institute

Are you a molecular scientist ready for the next step in genomics? AGRF is looking for a Molecular Laboratory Scientist to join our laboratory at the Kolling Institute in St Leonards, on the Royal North Shore Hospital campus.

This is a rare chance to help bring Roche's AXELIOS 1, one of the newest next-generation sequencing technologies in the world, into service. You'll be involved from the start: validating workflows, writing procedures and training colleagues. You'll also deliver genomics services to researchers, clinicians and industry partners across Australia.

About AGRF

AGRF is Australia's leading provider of genomic technologies and services. We support discovery and innovation across health, agriculture, environmental science, biotechnology and clinical research. Our culture is built on Collaboration, Integrity, Knowledge, Excellence and Accountability.

The role

Reporting to the Laboratory Supervisor, you'll perform complex molecular biology and genomics procedures, troubleshoot technical issues and help improve laboratory workflows. You'll work independently across multiple projects. You will:

• Perform molecular and genomics procedures, including NGS library preparation and sequencing, using automated and manual methods in line with SOPs

• Operate, maintain and calibrate sequencers and other key platforms, keeping records that meet NATA requirements

• Analyse and verify data using your own scientific judgement, and identify unusual results or trends

• Troubleshoot assays, instruments and workflows, both internally and with clients, with support from senior staff

• Contribute to developing, validating and introducing new assays, protocols and technologies, including bringing the AXELIOS 1 platform into service

• Act as a primary trainer for laboratory staff, supported by senior scientists and the Laboratory Supervisor

• Record samples and work accurately in LIMS, and support inventory, Bill of Materials and weekly invoicing/WIP processes

• Identify, record and escalation quality issues through the CAPA process

• Give clients timely, accurate responses and contribute to continuous improvement

About you

Essential

• A bachelor's degree in science (graduates with up to 3 years' experience are encouraged to apply), or at least 5 years' experience working in a molecular laboratory

• Knowledge of laboratory processes and molecular biology techniques

• Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Good written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• Hands-on NGS library preparation experience

• Experience in a NATA-accredited or similarly quality-controlled laboratory

• Experience with qPCR, sequencers and laboratory automation

• Ability to set priorities and work efficiently and independently across multiple tasks

• Critical thinking applied to problem solving and innovation

• Experience in a service role with direct client contact

Why join AGRF?

• Build something new: help establish AXELIOS 1 and a new laboratory at the Kolling Institute

• Work with advanced technology: gain hands-on experience with industry-leading sequencing platforms and genomics workflows

• Grow your career: training, diverse projects and clear progression pathways

• Make an impact: deliver the genomics services behind Australian research and clinical discovery

Other benefits

• Tax-effective salary packaging of up to $8,900 a year, plus up to $2,650 per FBT year for dining and entertainment

• Salary package one portable electronic device each year from pre-tax income

• Employee discounts through Reward Gateway, and confidential support through Converge International's Employee Assistance Program

• Up to 12 weeks' employer-paid parental leave for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers

• Up to 2 AGRF Granted Days during the Christmas-New Year closure

• Professional development and AGRF's Employee Recognition Program

All applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

No agencies, please.