The ACRF MATRIX Centre (Mass spectrometry Analysis of Tumour Response In compleX microenvironments) represents a transformative $2.5 million investment from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. Built around a state-of-the-art Bruker timsTOF Flex MALDI-2 mass spectrometry imaging platform, the centre will map the evolving tumour microenvironment during cancer progression and therapy response with unprecedented spatial resolution. The centre sits within the Garvan Imaging Platform and operates in close collaboration with Professor Thomas Cox's Laboratory. Co-located with the ACRF INCITe Centre for advanced microscopy, the ACRF MATRIX Centre provides unique multimodal capabilities for integrating spatial proteomics with transcriptomics and imaging. The centre has access to exceptional clinical cancer cohorts, including some of Australia's largest cancer biobanks, the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative, and fresh tissues through the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, positioning it at the forefront of precision oncology research. THE OPPORTUNITY The ACRF MATRIX Centre Lead is a technical specialist responsible for operating and advancing Australia's first dedicated spatial proteomics facility for clinical cancer research. This role combines hands-on technical expertise in MALDI-2 mass spectrometry imaging with facility management and user support capabilities. The successful candidate will drive method development for peptide/protein, lipid, metabolite and drug imaging whilst ensuring high-throughput, high-quality sample analysis for internal and external research teams. The position reports operationally to the Head of the Garvan Imaging Platform, with research and technical oversight from Professor Thomas Cox. Appointments will be made at RO1-4 depending on the candidate's experience, technical expertise, and career stage.Candidates completing their PhD with substantial mass spectrometry imaging experience will be considered at RO1 level, with opportunities for rapid progression based on performance and independent contributions. This is a unique opportunity to establish and lead a national spatial proteomics facility at the cutting edge of cancer biology, working with world-class clinical cohorts and an internationally recognised research team. The role offers significant scope for method development, publication, and technical innovation within a supportive, collaborative environment. Salary: Up to $117,400 (depending on experience) 14% super salary packaging Employment Type: 2 year fixed-term contract with high possibility to extend 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/accommodation) Ample opportunities for on-going training and development Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment Onsite position with 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 Depending on level of experience and requirements of the role, a Research Assistant is typically expected to: Sample Processing and Data Generation MALDI-2 Mass Spectrometry Imaging: Operate the Bruker timsTOF Flex MALDI-2 platform to acquire high-quality spatial ‘omics data from clinical cancer tissues, including fresh-frozen and FFPE samples. Sample Preparation: Perform tissue sectioning, mounting, washing, and matrix application optimised for various imaging workflows (peptide/protein/lipids/metabolites). Quality Control: Implement rigorous QC protocols to ensure data quality, reproducibility, and spatial fidelity across experiments. Data Management: Organise, curate, and archive raw and processed mass spectrometry imaging data in compliance with research data management standards. User Support: Run samples for research teams across Garvan and external collaborators, managing project timelines and deliverables. Method Development and R&D Protocol Optimisation: Develop and refine MALDI-MSI protocols for diverse sample types, with a primary focus on peptide/protein imaging from clinical cancer tissues. For candidates with expertise in metabolomics or lipidomics, this will involve transferring and adapting established spatial imaging workflows to protein-based applications. Matrix Chemistry: Optimise matrix selection, deposition methods, and post-ionisation conditions to maximise sensitivity and spatial resolution. Multimodal Integration: Establish workflows to integrate MALDI-MSI with complementary spatial technologies including INCITe microscopy, spatial transcriptomics, and LC-MS/MS. Technical Innovation: Stay current with advances in mass spectrometry imaging, implementing new capabilities and contributing to publications and technical reports. ESI-MS Development: Support the integration of HPLC-ESI workflows on TOF platforms for complementary proteomic analyses. Centre Operations and Strategic Development Equipment Management: Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot the timsTOF Flex MALDI-2 system and associated instrumentation. Standard Operating Procedures: Develop and maintain comprehensive SOPs for all aspects of centre operations. User Training: Train researchers in experimental design, sample preparation, and data interpretation for spatial proteomics experiments. Host seminars and workshops to educate researchers. Stakeholder Liaison: Engage with internal and external users, providing expert consultation on project design and technical feasibility. Budget Management: Assist with forecasting, budget execution, and consumables management in collaboration with the Imaging Platform Head and Professor Cox. Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development of the centre's research strategy, including identifying new applications and collaborative opportunities. Health and Safety: Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols, biosafety requirements, and chemical handling procedures. Research and Institutional Contributions Publication: Contribute to scientific publications as a technical expert and co-author on projects utilising the ACRF MATRIX Centre. Grant Support: Provide technical input and preliminary data for grant applications leveraging spatial proteomics capabilities. Professional Development: Engage with the Australian and international mass spectrometry imaging community through conferences, workshops, and collaborative networks. Institute Service: Participate in Garvan seminars, journal clubs, and outreach activities to promote spatial proteomics research. Compliance: Comply with Garvan’s workplace polices (as amended from time to time) and especially Garvan’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy, including working in accordance with the WHS management system at all times, as safety is Garvan’s number one priority. ABOUT YOU The key skills and experience include: Essential Education: PhD (or near completion) in chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, or a related field with substantial focus on mass spectrometry imaging. Technical Expertise: Demonstrated hands-on experience with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry imaging platforms, with Bruker timsTOF systems strongly preferred. For candidates with expertise in spatial mass spectrometry imaging of lipids, metabolites, or small molecules, a proven track record of method development and transferable technical skills is essential. Experience with oversampling strategies, high spatial resolution imaging (single-cell or subcellular), or advanced ionisation techniques is highly valued. Spatial Biology: Strong understanding of spatial mass spectrometry imaging workflows across different analyte classes (proteins, peptides, lipids, or metabolites), including sample preparation, data acquisition, quality control, and method optimisation. Demonstrated ability to adapt and transfer technical expertise between different molecular targets is highly valued. Publication Record: Track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications in mass spectrometry imaging or related analytical chemistry fields. Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for complex technical challenges. Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills for user support, training, and scientific collaboration. Organisation: Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects. Data Processing: Proficiency in mass spectrometry data processing, including spectral preprocessing, peak detection, and basic statistical analysis. Highly Desirable Platform-Specific Experience: Direct experience with Bruker timsTOF Flex systems and familiarity with fleximaging, SCiLS Lab, or similar MSI data analysis software MALDI-2 Technology: Experience with MALDI-2 post-ionisation or other advanced ionisation enhancement techniques such as MALDI-TIMS. High Spatial Resolution Imaging: Demonstrated capability in single-cell or subcellular mass spectrometry imaging, including oversampling strategies and high-resolution spatial workflows. Advanced Sample Preparation: Experience with on-tissue chemical derivatisation, matrix optimisation, or other advanced tissue preparation techniques for enhanced analyte detection. Peptide/Protein Imaging: Specific expertise in spatially resolved peptide or protein analysis from tissue samples. LC-MS/MS Expertise: Hands-on experience with HPLC-ESI-MS on TOF or high-resolution platforms for complementary proteomic analyses. Clinical Samples: Experience working with human clinical tissues (fresh-frozen, FFPE) in a research or diagnostic context. Multimodal Integration: Familiarity with integrating mass spectrometry imaging with other spatial technologies (e.g., spatial transcriptomics, multiplex immunofluorescence). Facility Management: Previous experience in core facility operations, user training, or equipment management. Data Analysis & Bioinformatics: Advanced proficiency in R, Python, or other programming languages for mass spectrometry data processing, multivariate analysis, spatial statistics, and custom tool development. ABOUT GARVAN Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s. Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome. We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease. Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively. 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. We are reviewing applications as they are received. 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.
