Director, Clinical-Translational Science

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Biobanking and Research Operations

• Provide oversight of patient-derived biological sample collection, processing, storage, and utilisation, ensuring processes are timely, accurate and appropriately documented.
• Manage, train and mentor biobank technical staff, fostering a high-performance culture and supporting ongoing professional development.
• Develop, optimise and maintain sample processing protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with relevant cross-functional teams.
• Ensure sample processing activities are performed consistently, accurately and with full traceability.
• Oversee biobank data capture and integrity, including maintenance of relevant databases and records.
• Ensure biobank operations, infrastructure and resources are appropriately planned to support current and future clinical studies and pipeline expansion.

Note: Some samples require immediate processing upon receipt at TRI, which may occasionally require work outside standard hours.

 Clinical Translational Research

• Design, lead and coordinate innovative translational research strategy and programs in collaboration with AdvanCell’s clinical and cross-functional teams and external partners, focused on the discovery and development of novel biomarkers and other approaches to advance clinical research.
• Apply robust scientific and operational approaches to ensure translational research activities align with AdvanCell’s clinical development and corporate reseach objectives.
• Identify, evaluate and establish in-house research capabilities where feasible, including Multiplex ELISA, immune cell phenotyping, cfDNA/cfRNA analysis, PBMC-based sequencing and proteomics workflows.
• Contribute to experimental design, bioinformatics analyses and biological interpretation of multi-omics and other translational datasets.
• Translate translational research findings into scientific insights that inform clinical development and research decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to expand research activities through external collaborations and funding opportunities.

 

Scientific Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide scientific leadership, mentorship and technical guidance to research staff and scientific collaborators.
• Contribute scientific expertise to cross-functional project discussions, supporting research planning, project progression and decision-making.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, external research partners and other relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare and communicate scientific data and project updates through internal presentations, reports, publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

Data, Systems and Quality Oversight

• Ensure the integrity, quality and traceability of biobanking and translational research data.
• Oversee data workflows and systems to support efficient analysis, appropriate data storage and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain robust documentation and data management practices across biobanking and translational research activities.
• Promote and uphold AdvanCell’s Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure quality and compliance across research and laboratory operations.

Other Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations and Infrastructure

• Ensure the biobank team and infrastructure are equipped to meet current and future strategic demands, including new clinical studies or pipeline expansion.
• Oversee the maintenance, calibration and operational readiness of laboratory equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensure appropriate escalation and coordination of equipment servicing and repairs to minimise disruption to critical workflows.
• Provide oversight of inventory management processes, ensuring continuity of supplies and efficient resource utilisation.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and methodologies in biobanking, biomarker research and translational science.
• Identify opportunities to improve research workflows, laboratory capabilities, data processes and scientific output.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and methodologies where they provide value to AdvanCell’s research and clinical development programs.

 Compliance, Governance and Documentation

• Ensure all laboratory and research activities comply with applicable institutional, ethical, radiation safety, workplace health and safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and accurate records across relevant research and laboratory activities.
• Ensure appropriate adherence to approved protocols, SOPs and quality systems.
• Promote a culture of compliance, quality and continuous improvement across research activities.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities as directed by relevant management.

Essential Skills, Qualifications, Industry and Educational Requirements

• PhD in cancer biology, immunology, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training.
• Background in immunology and/or clinical biomarker research, ideally within oncology or a related field.
• Demonstrated wet-lab expertise in human biospecimen handling, including processing and analysis of blood and urine samples (e.g., circulating nucleic acid extraction, protein quantification, QC, ELISA, flow cytometry).
• Appropriate immunisation status commensurate with processing human biobanking samples.
• Demonstrated ability to design, lead, and deliver innovative clinical translational research projects and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven experience in liquid biopsy biomarker development.
• Proven experience working effectively within multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, prioritisation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• High level of attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and rigorous documentation of experimental work.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and implement new technologies and methodologies in a rapidly evolving research environment.