Laboratory Head in Cellular Therapies

About QIMR Berghofer:

QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Brain & Mental Health, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and non-research staff.

The Cancer Research Program

The Cancer Research Program comprises of 22 research groups with a leading role in fundamental cancer research, bench-to-bed, translational and clinical cancer research that drives excellence in cancer care.   We work closely in collaboration with internal programs and external partners both nationally and internationally.   We provide high-quality education and mentorship program to our workforce.  We strive to increase our existing high impact on cancer research with continued discoveries and clinical trial advances.

About the Role:

An excellent opportunity is available for a Group Leader or Team Leader with expertise in cellular therapies to join the Cancer Research program at QIMR Berghofer. The position will be based at QIMR Berghofer, located at the Herston Health Precinct in Brisbane.  QIMR Berghofer has an outstanding record of high-impact research in cellular therapies, cancer genetics, cancer omics, bioinformatics, infectious diseases and immunology. We are seeking a new Laboratory Head who will build on and complement our existing strengths in cellular therapies. The new laboratory will compliment a broader cell therapies program, including pre-clinical and clinical research for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. 

Key advantages of conducting cell therapy research at QIMR Berghofer include:

• Our institute has a strong track record of developing both autologous and allogenic therapies for treatment of cancer and infectious disease.
• QIMR Berghofer is co-located with the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) on the Herston Health Precinct, therefore is strategically positioned for clinical research.
• Through Q-Gen Cell Therapeutics, QIMR Berghofer has an on-site state-of-the-art GMP manufacturing facility for cell-therapies. This facility is dedicated to translating clinical research to the beside and supplies cell therapies for clinical trials based on campus (at the RBWH), interstate and overseas.
• QIMR Berghofer has strong clinical linkage with Queensland’s largest cancer unit and the largest haemopoietic transplant unit in Australia (co-located onsite).
• Opportunities to collaborate with clinician researchers at QIMR Berghofer and RBWH (co-located on the Herston Health Precinct) conducting clinical trials in the use of cellular therapies for cancer treatment.

About You:

Further to the Position Description, which can be found on https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/careers/ you will have;

• A PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in cellular therapies and, typically, at least 4-10 years’ research experience.
• A track record of developing/engineering novel cell-based therapies for the treatment of cancer.
• Experience in contributing to research translation and impact, e.g. through commercialisation of IP and patent applications.
• A track record in conducting innovative and impactful research, demonstrated leadership and experience in developing collaborations.
• A track record of securing research funding from diverse sources as lead investigator.
• An excellent publication record, as demonstrated by quantity, high quality, lead authorship and international recognition of peer-reviewed publications.
• A track record in research supervision and contribution to mentoring/research training.
• A strong national and international reputation, as demonstrated by collaborations, invitations to speak at national and international meetings, participation in external service, etc.
• A track record of responsible research conduct, with high standards of ethics and scientific rigour.

A track record of translating cellular therapy to clinical trial in collaboration with clinicians or industry is desirable.

Remuneration and benefits:

In addition to operational funding, high-performing candidates will receive additional support to assist with the management of their established, funded research program.

For further information:  please contact Juliet French, Program Director of the Cancer Research Program on Juliet.French@qimrberghofer.edu.au or (07) 3845 3028.

Closing Date: 6 September 2024

QIMR Berghofer also offers:

• Salary Packaging
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Stimulating work setting focused on cutting-edge medical research
• Supportive/collaborative team environment
• Parental leave provisions