Research Officer

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The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) has an international reputation in biotechnology, molecular and cellular biology, and microbiology, including proteomics and genomics, gene regulation, metabolism, environmental microbiology and infectious diseases. BABS teaches approximately 2,000 full- time equivalent students, and has 34 academics, 28 postdoctoral research associates or fellows, approximately 20 other research staff, 152 higher degree research students, 12 technical officers and 4 administrative staff. The School's yearly operational budget is approximately $11M, with available research funds of approximately $9 million annually.

The Research Officer plays a key role in supporting research projects as part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers in the area of multi-analyte liquid biopsy for cancer diagnosis.

The position will provide technical and research assistance to senior research staff in activities associated relevant research project(s), such as the contribution and application of knowledge in the field of liquid biopsy and blood collection, sample processing and management conducted within the Vafaee Lab at the School of BABS.

About the role

• Level 6 ($103k - $110k) plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months
• Part-time (7 hours per week)

The role reports to Associate Professor Fatemah Vafaee and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Facilitate and conduct blood sample collection, processing, and storage in accordance with established protocols to ensure compliance with research standards.
• Oversee the implementation of the Research Data Management Plan (RDMP), ensuring all essential data is accurately prepared, consolidated, and maintained in line with RDMP requirements.
• Coordinate the generation of sequencing and proteomics data with respective facilities, process raw data using standard pipelines, and perform preliminary data analyses as requested.
• Provision of practical and efficient research support to stakeholders, assisting in the conduct of research.
• Support in the conceptualisation, design, and successful conduct of projects from sample collection to data management and coordination with stakeholders
• Prepare and contribute to the production of technical reports, manuscripts for publication and tenders or grants for external funding.
• Manage the technical aspects of databases, including coordinating and executing data cleaning, data management processes and ensuring research integrity in research databases.
• Perform quantitative/qualitative data analyses as required by the research project.
• Proactively assist with research reports, peer-reviewed publications, presentations, ethics applications and progress reports.
• Monitor research protocols, provide problem solving and resolution to any evolving problems related to design, implementation and analysis.
• Liaise with organisations, data custodians, stakeholders and collaborators and actively participate in meetings and discussions as required.
• Coordinate, plan and complete day-to-day research activities within the framework of agreed project timelines and responsibilities.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
• Cooperate with all health and safety policy and procedures of the University and take all reasonable care to ensure your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself and others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A university degree in Laboratory Science and/or Human Genetics or related discipline, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training or experience.
• Current phlebotomy certification and demonstrated experience performing venous blood collection.
• Experience in blood banking and laboratory-based sample processing.
• Experience working within NSW Health clinical research environments (e.g., BreastScreen NSW, hospital clinics, pathology units).
• Eligibility to work in Australia and experience working as a domestic candidate in NSW Health settings.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally with patients during clinical procedures, including consent explanation, reassurance, and managing sensitive situations with empathy and confidentiality.
• Experience working on breast cancer or oncology-focused biomarker projects.
• Experience with machine learning workflows for biomarker discovery
• Knowledge of research protocols, experimental design and planning as involved in developing research projects and reporting against milestones.
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, MS Office suite, R Studio, Python, and Adobe Illustrator
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal communication skills to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated professional leadership and collaboration skills.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW's aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Fatemah Vafaee
E: 

Applications close: December 8th, 2025

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UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.