The Opportunity
The WA Comprehensive Kids Cancer Centre integrates the clinical excellence delivered at Perth Children’s Hospital and the research expertise of The Kids Research Institute Australia and The University of Western Australia. The Kids Research Institute Australia delivers the Centre’s laboratory research arm via its cancer research teams and works alongside clinicians to improve childhood cancer outcomes. Our vision is to create a future where all kids with cancer survive and thrive.
An exciting opportunity exists to establish and lead a new Preclinical Core within the WA Kids Comprehensive Cancer Centre. This role will play a critical part in accelerating the most promising therapies toward clinical trials for children with cancer.
The Preclinical Core will deliver decision-grade in vitro and in vivo testing of novel drugs and combinations, generating robust, reproducible evidence to support clear go/no-go decisions and trial-enabling parameters. Success in this role will be defined by impact—responsibly advancing the strongest therapeutic candidates while stopping weaker ones early.
As Head, Preclinical Core, you will build, lead and continuously improve a high-quality preclinical pipeline aligned with international best practice in drug discovery and validation. This is a highly collaborative leadership role combining scientific expertise with project, people and financial management.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Establishing and standardising decision-grade in vitro screening and in vivo validation platforms.
- Leading rigorous experimental design, quality control and reproducibility across all studies.
- Partnering with discovery biology teams and clinicians to prioritise candidate agents and combinations.
- Designing, overseeing and interpreting ethically sound, translationally focused animal studies.
- Generating clear, evidence-based go/no-go recommendations for senior stakeholders.
- Providing high-quality financial management, in line with approved budgets.
- Managing and overseeing all aspects of project planning for research initiatives to ensure projects are planned, resourced, and implemented with high quality and within agreed scope and timeframes.
- Ensuring governance mechanisms are in place for all projects, full compliance of research activities with health and safety, ethical standards, and all applicable legislative and contractual requirements.
- Leading, mentoring and developing a multidisciplinary research team.
- Contributing to publications, including high-quality negative studies and team-science outputs.
- Representing the Preclinical Core within the Centre, Institute and external networks
This is a full time, ongoing position located at Perth Children’s Hospital.
About You
You are a collaborative, impact-driven scientist with strong leadership capability and a passion for translating high-quality science into better outcomes for children with cancer.
You Will Bring
- A PhD in cancer biology, pharmacology, drug discovery or a related discipline.
- Strong expertise in experimental design, data interpretation and scientific rigour.
- Experience with mouse models and in vivo experimental approaches.
- Familiarity with drug development principles such as PK/PD, toxicity and biomarker integration.
- Demonstrated experience in project, resource and financial management.
- Proven ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience mentoring, supervising or managing staff in a research environment.
- Knowledge of research ethics, governance and regulatory requirements (animal ethics, OGTR, biosafety).
About Us
At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit, support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we:
- Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
- Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
- Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
- Partner with communities to strength cultural awareness and belonging.
- Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups.
- We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.
Alongside Our Inclusive Culture, You’ll Enjoy
- Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
- Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
- Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
- Flexible and hybrid working options.
- Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
- Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
- Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.
How To Apply
If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application.
Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section.
Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact recruitment@thekids.org.au.
Click Here For The Job Description
Contact Name: Emma Stone
Contact Email: emma.stone@wackcc.org.au
Closing Date: 09/03/2026 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.
The Kids Research Institute Australia is committed to being champions of gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, including: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities and people living with disability. As such we are a proud Bronze award recipient of the first Australian Athena Swan Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot program.
We acknowledge that when working in environments which contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, it is imperative that Aboriginal people are at the forefront of this work. We have launched the Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and researchers employed in the Institute who provide guidance and support in our work in Aboriginal health.