Translational Research Scientist (Cell Therapy Manufacturing) at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

24 Aug, 26

Salary

139636.0

Posted On

26 May, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Cell Culture, CAR T Cell Manufacture, Miltenyi Prodigy Platform, GMP Workflows, Clean Room Operations, Viral Transduction, Magnetic Enrichment, Flow Cytometry, Digital PCR, Regulatory Submissions, Technology Transfer, Batch Release Testing

Industry

research

Description

Job Title Translational Research Scientist (Cell Therapy Manufacturing) Job Description An exciting opportunity is available for a Translational Research Scientist (Cell Therapy Manufacturing) to join a dynamic research laboratory within the Personalised Oncology Division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute. The Jenkins Laboratory is internationally recognised for pioneering research in immunotherapy for brain cancer. Led by Professor Misty Jenkins AO, the lab focuses on developing innovative CAR T cell therapies and other immune-based strategies for aggressive paediatric and adult brain tumours. We combine cutting-edge preclinical models, advanced single-cell and proteomic technologies, and state-of-the-art cell manufacturing platforms to translate discoveries from bench to bedside. Our team works collaboratively within the Brain Cancer Centre and across national and international consortia, driven by a strong consumer focus and commitment to bringing hope and new treatments to patients and families affected by brain cancer. About the position We have developed a number of assets that are now poised for clinical translation. This new role will establish and lead operations in WEHI’s ISO Class 9 clean room, forming a critical part of our translational pipeline for CAR T cell therapy in brain cancer. The cleanroom will be central to validating clinical scale manufacture and producing cells for preclinical testing. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an agile CAR T manufacturing pipeline within a dynamic preclinical team in a world-leading research institute. The successful candidate will: Demonstrate an ability to perform highly technical laboratory work with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and reproducibility. Establish and lead CAR T cell manufacture using the Miltenyi Prodigy platform. Perform magnetic enrichment, viral transduction, and cell culture using clinical scale processes. Develop and implement GMP-‘aligned’ workflows and batch release testing. Collaborate with process development teams. Contribute to data packages for regulatory submissions (TGA, FDA and others) for clinical trial applications. Lead technology transfer activities between WEHI and collaborator or clinical manufacturing sites. Produce reports and presentations to support experimental outcomes. This role offers flexible working hours, with occasional after-hours work to support key experiments and clean room activities. Key Selection Criteria Essential: Demonstrated expertise in cell culture and advanced cell therapy workflows. Excellent organisational, documentation and communication skills. Excellent collaborative culture and be able to work effectively as a part of the dynamic research team – be reliable and approachable with excellent communication skills. Knowledge of clean room operations including gowning, decontamination and environmental monitoring. Knowledge of regulations relevant to GMP cell manufacturing. PhD or equivalent research/industry experience in cell therapy, immunology, biomedical science or related discipline. Desirable: Experience generating, characterising and testing CAR T cells. Expertise in Flow cytometry and/or digital PCR. Graduate certificate, or equivalent, in Good Manufacturing Practice. Experience with closed-system manufacturing platforms (e.g. Miltenyi Prodigy). Knowledge of quality systems, QC assays and batch release criteria. Experience working in GMP-aligned clean room facilities. Ability to work collaboratively across research and clinical environments. Terms of appointment This position is available for 2 years in a full time capacity. Salary is Research Employee Level A ($104,071-$111,707) or Level B ($117,596 - $139,636) . Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme. General enquiries can be directed to Professor Misty Jenkins AO – jenkins.m@wehi.edu.au A position description for a Research Officer is available here. A position description for a Senior Research Officer is available here. How to apply Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format. Application closing date: 25 June 2026 WEHI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI’s ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers. Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team. WEHI’s commitment to Indigenous employment WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

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Responsibilities

Establish and lead CAR T cell manufacturing operations within an ISO Class 9 clean room using the Miltenyi Prodigy platform. Develop GMP-aligned workflows and contribute to regulatory data packages for clinical trial applications.