Islet Operations Manager in Sydney

Western Sydney Local Health District - Westmead NSW

Advance life-changing islet transplantation for people with Type 1 diabetes. Lead specialist laboratory operations, quality assurance and clinical cell processing. Combine scientific expertise, team leadership and translational research. Manage specialist islet isolation operations, uphold clinical laboratory quality standards and help advance cell transplantation for people living with Type 1 diabetes.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (up to 1 Jan 2028)

Position Classification: Scientific Officer

Remuneration: $79,433.52- $113,298.98 per annum + 12% Superannuation

Hours Per Week: 38

Location: Westmead Hospital, Westmead Institute for Medical Research

Where you'll be working:

• Join the National Islet Transplant Unit at Westmead Hospital, a specialised clinical program supporting islet cell transplantation for people with Type 1 diabetes.
• You’ll contribute to a unique intersection of laboratory science, clinical care and research, helping ensure human donor islets are prepared to the highest standards for clinical transplantation.

What you'll be doing:

As Islet Operations Manager, you’ll coordinate the day-to-day operational, technical and quality requirements of the National Funded Centres (NFC) clinical islet isolation program. Combining hands-on laboratory work with operational leadership, you’ll help ensure donor pancreatic islets are isolated, assessed and prepared efficiently, accurately and in accordance with applicable clinical and regulatory standards.

In this role you will be required to:

• Coordinate islet isolation and processing: Prepare clean rooms, equipment and reagents, and undertake human pancreatic islet isolation and cell culture using aseptic techniques.
• Maintain rigorous quality assurance: Perform and oversee relevant assays, including DNA, endotoxin, static stimulation, microscopy, FACS and ELISA, to assess islet quality.
• Maintain regulatory and laboratory standards: Oversee environmental monitoring, equipment readiness, inventory, cleaning and maintenance, and develop and update standard operating procedures in line with cGMP and work health and safety requirements.
• Lead operational coordination and training: Support staff training, rostering, consumables management, accurate recordkeeping and participation in the after-hours on-call roster.
• Support research and innovation: Contribute to laboratory-based research, data analysis and initiatives to improve the clinical islet transplantation program.

Please note: After-hours work and on-call duties are required, with applicable remuneration provided.

Make a difference with NSW Health. Bring your scientific expertise, precision and commitment to quality to a role where laboratory excellence can contribute to life-changing treatment. Join Western Sydney Local Health District and play a vital part in advancing specialised transplantation, clinical research and better outcomes for people living with Type 1 diabetes.

Qualification:

• Diploma in Medical Technology of the Australian Institute of Medical Technologists (before 1974) or a degree in science from an approved university or college of advanced education requiring a minimum of three years full-time study or such qualifications as the employer deems equivalent.

Selection Criteria:

• Relevant degree or equivalent qualifications and extensive/demonstrated laboratory research experience.
• Extensive experience and demonstrate competency in cell isolation and culture.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• Ability to manage appropriate stock levels for the ongoing operations of a laboratory.
• Ability to run and analyse samples by RT PCR, Western Blot, RIA, FACS and ELISA.
• Demonstrated wet-lab and/or small animal research experience.
• Sound (working) knowledge of a quality assurance program and to have carried out QC testing such as DNA quantification, static incubation, Endotoxin testing, sampling for micro culture, microscopy.
• Demonstrated data management, statistical analysis and reporting skills using Microsoft Office software, Prism or similar.

Applications Close: 8th November 2026

People with disabilities who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply; and where required, WSLHD will implement reasonable adjustment consistent with industry standard. Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants by providing information about applying for roles in NSW Health organisations. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Please note: In accordance with NSW Health policy, priority will be given to Australian citizens and permanent residents. A person who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident is only eligible for temporary employment for a period not longer than the duration of their current visa or the advertised position.