ABOUT THE UNIT
The Core Laboratory brings together skills in biospecimen collection and genetic technologies to provide the platform for translational cancer research and adoption of precision medicine in Malaysia. Specifically, the team takes charge of sample collection, processing and storage of the Malaysian cancer patients, and performs centralised laboratory support for our clinical trials. These investigator-initiated clinical trials include a combination chemotherapy and immunotherapy for head and neck cancers [NCT05286619] and a low-dose immunotherapy trial for lung cancer. The team is involved in establishing new cohorts, and evaluates new research technologies and biobank systems.
SCOPE / PURPOSE OF JOB
The purpose of the job is:
(a) Assist the Chief Scientific Officer in developing CRMY’s strategic direction, in clinical/translational research.
(b) Oversee the daily operations of the Core Laboratory, ensuring efficient management of sample collection, processing, and storage.
(c) Provide scientific leadership and strategic direction to the laboratory team, fostering an environment of innovation and high-standard research practices.
(d) Collaborate with clinical and research teams to support investigator-initiated clinical trials, including trials for breast cancer, head and neck cancers, and lung cancer.
(e) Develop and implement laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
(f) Evaluate and integrate new research technologies and biobanking systems to enhance laboratory capabilities.
(g) Manage and mentor a team (comprising post-doctoral research scientists, senior research associates, research associates, research assistants and study coordinators) promoting career development and high-performance standards.
(h) Prepare and manage the laboratory budget, ensuring effective use of resources.
(i) Ensure accurate data management and quality control of biospecimens and data.
(j) Maintain collaborations with external partners, stakeholders, and the scientific community to advance team objectives.
(k) Other responsibilities include:
- To deputies for the Chief Scientific Officer when appropriate
- To represent CRMY when appropriate
- To prepare and present papers for the Board of Trustees.
- To take responsibility for designated projects as necessary
- To undertake other administrative tasks as required
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
1. PhD in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, or a closely related field.
2. Demonstrated experience in cancer research, particularly in molecular and genetic methodologies.
3. Proficiency in the latest laboratory technologies and information systems used in genetic research and biobanking.
4. Demonstrated skill in handling data, and successfully presenting the data both in spoken (conference) or written (publication) form.
5. Proven track record of managing a laboratory, including staff supervision and project management.
6. Experience in oncology, core laboratories, biobanking, or clinical research laboratories.
7. Experience in clinical trial support and understanding of clinical research protocols would be an advantage.
8. Familiarity with regulatory standards and quality assurance in a research setting. The ability to prioritise own workload and work to deadlines, maintaining high standards even under pressure.
9. Adopts a proactive attitude to work, always looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes.
10. Assumes full responsibility within role, ensuring all tasks are completed to the highest standard.
11. Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
12. Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop team members. Driven by a strong sense of making an impact, with excellent problem-solving skills, including conflict resolution.
13. Passion for Cancer Research Malaysia's mission to advance research and implement practical healthcare solutions in cancer treatment.
APPLYAbout the Company
Cancer Research Malaysia
We are an independent and non-profit cancer research organisation based in Malaysia. Funded by donations and research grants, we conduct research in niche cancers often found in our Asian population.
Cancer — the big ‘C’ — continues to be a stigma, only spoken about in hushed whispers; how it’s bad karma, how much it costs, and that nothing could be done.
Confronting this stigma head on, CRM has been reversing this language of cancer, transforming the big ‘C’ to a little ‘c’, and we plan to develop tools backed by good research to ensure that we can truly fight cancer on all fronts.
We believe that we will reverse the grip of cancer in our lives. We want researchers to win the war against cancer by turning it around with new ways of prevention and cure. We want to empower the public through impactful outreach programmes, with the hopes that Malaysians will respond differently to cancer by coming forward for screenings and going through with treatments.
Our driving force is held together by these goals:
- Improving the survival rates of Asian cancer patients, focusing on neglected areas of research.
- Empowering Asians to have the proper screening and treatment.
- Improving survival rates by being more accessible, focusing on providing existing cures to patients rather than sit on inaction and potentially losing lives.
- Making affordable and timely treatments by repurposing drugs, acknowledging the reality that developing new cures are costly and risky.
- Putting Malaysia in the global spotlight for cancer research by collaborating with top scientists around the world,and working to nurture the next generation of Malaysian cancer researchers.