This position is based in the Centre for Population Genomics (CPG), a joint initiative of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Garvan) in Sydney and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne. At CPG, we are working to create a world in which genomic information enables disease prediction, accurate diagnosis and effective therapeutics for all people.
Databases that capture the genetic variation of healthy populations are critical for genomic medicine. However, these currently represent mainly people descended from Europe and the Americas. Under-represented or missing from these data are many of Australia’s minority ancestries, such as Oceanian people (e.g. Samoan, Tongan, Fijian), Southeast Asian people (e.g. Filipino, Vietnamese), Middle Eastern people (e.g. Lebanese) and African people (e.g. Sudanese). As a result, many families in Australia cannot currently get medical help for a genetic illness. If this lack of inclusion continues, Australians from many diverse backgrounds will also be less likely to benefit from future genomics-driven medical advances.
We want to solve this problem- the critical lack of ancestral diversity in genomics in Australia. The OurDNA program seeks to address this by recruiting and processing more than seven thousand research participants from diverse ancestries to create new resources for human genetics that truly reflect Australia's remarkable population diversity and improve the diagnosis of rare disease patients across a wide range of Australian communities.
This is an exciting and innovative program, and we have structured the Centre to be able to deliver. Our teams are developing cutting-edge software, facilitating engagement in underrepresented communities, leading population genomics analyses, diagnosing rare diseases, and coordinating projects and operations. Funders and partners have backed our vision, including a $10 million grant from the Medical Research Futures Fund.
THE OPPORTUNITY
As a key member of the Sample Management team within the OurDNA team, the Sample Project Officer plays a central role in ensuring the project's success. Reporting directly to the Biosample Manager, this position encompasses end-to-end responsibilities across the OurDNA program’s sample collection, processing and management processes, including data generation and ingestion. The role involves regular interaction with biobanks, couriers, and laboratory staff to ensure adherence to our harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This position is ideal for a proactive problem-solver with strong communication skills who can collaborate effectively with the team and stakeholders to achieve the project's goals. Please note that this is not a wet lab position but a role focused on logistical coordination and operational support. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the CPG mission to create a world in which genomic information enables disease prediction, accurate diagnosis and effective therapeutics for everyone.
Prospective candidates will ideally be located at the Garvan Institute in Sydney. While CPG champions a remote-first/hybrid work model, we also value office interactions and quarterly face-to-face events. The perfect fit will be someone who flourishes in a virtual workspace and balances remote work with the office, as well as attending recruitment/community events and engaging with participants. This position is based in the Centre for Population Genomics (CPG), a joint initiative of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Garvan) in Sydney and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne.
Salary: 2 year term contract with possibility to extend.
Employment Type: Up to $105,000 + 11.5% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)
SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS
Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)
Ample opportunities for on-going training and development
Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment
Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times
18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation
A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave
Discounted Health Insurance
Lifestyle discounts with our community partners
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Manage biosample logistics to support OurDNA recruitment, including booking phlebotomists for events, coordinating transportation, and supervising participants and samples on-site (as needed).
Ensure samples are processed and tracked accurately, including biobank management, metadata tracking, and resource coordination.
Coordinate sample submission to external service providers, ensuring secure transfer, storage, and dataset exchange.
Support the OurDNA Biosample Manager by providing guidance and ensuring alignment with program objectives and planning decisions.
Collaborate with internal and external teams to meet processing and data generation requirements, adhering to SOPs.
Continuously monitor sample operations to identify inefficiencies or risks, working closely with the OurDNA Biosample Manager to resolve issues.
Support the development and implementation of ongoing biorepository management, including sample access and subsequent biosample management
Draft SOPs or guidance documents as needed during project phases.
Contribute to project preparation, sample collection methodology, and other activities as required as part of the OurDNA team.
Leverage project management skills to oversee competing priorities and ensure timely delivery of projects.
Develop reports from draft to final stage, with input from supervisors, and present findings at internal and external forums.
Engage in professional development activities, attend conferences and seminars, and support the organisation’s culture.
Be willing to work at semi-regular weekend events (with time off in lieu).
ABOUT YOU
Proven expertise and experience in biospecimen logistics management, including sample processing, transport coordination, and risk mitigation.
Comprehensive knowledge of biospecimen handling and processing.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders such as scientists, biobank staff, and external partners.
Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions and solve problems to ensure smooth operations.
Skilled in prioritising and managing multiple sample-related tasks across various projects and timelines.
Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and online collaborative tools (e.g., Airtable, Slack, Canva, Miro, Jira, or Trello).
Current certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) or equivalent biosafety training.
Passion and enthusiasm for genomics and health equality.
Desirable:
Experience working in high-throughput labs or labs accredited by NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities).
Prior involvement in large-scale, population-based recruitment, sample processing, genomic research, or biosample management.
Experience working and engaging with CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. If you have any questions regarding this role please reach out to Bindu: b.madala@garvan.org.au. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.
