This year, 1,000 Australian children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer. The Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC) at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) will provide care to more than 300 of these newly diagnosed patients and their families.
The CCC is a global leader in paediatric cancer care, offering comprehensive services and cutting-edge treatments to children from Victoria and interstate. As the largest partner in the Victorian Paediatric Integrated Cancer Services (VPICS) and a member of The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Care program (VCCC), the CCC is at the forefront of pioneering research, clinical trials, and groundbreaking treatments for childhood cancer.
The CCC encompasses both inpatient and outpatient services, providing complex bone marrow transplant and CAR-T cell therapies for both Victorian and interstate patients. It is also an important contributor to paediatric oncology research both locally and internationally, participating in world-class clinical trials to improve the lives of RCH patients.
The aim of the CCC is to grow and improve clinical research activities across all aspects of paediatric oncology, including clinical research trials, psycho-oncology, supportive care, and allied health research.Despite the incredible advances in cancer treatment, the journey for children diagnosed with cancer and their families remains incredibly challenging. The complexity of paediatric oncology demands specialised roles that go beyond traditional medical care. To continue providing exceptional care and to push the boundaries of research, the CCC seeks philanthropic support to fund three crucial positions:
BIOBANK COORDINATORAMOUNT REQUESTED: $138,066, 1.0FTE FOR 12 MONTHS SUPPORTThe Biobank Coordinator will play a critical role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Children’s Cancer Centre Biospecimen Service (CCCBS), a world-class resource supporting research into paediatric cancer. The CCCBS enables clinical and translational research at the Melbourne Children’s Campus and beyond, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of precision child health.Key Performance Indicators
Management of Biospecimen Collection and ProcessingThe Biobank Coordinator will oversee the collection, documentation, and processing of biospecimens, including solid and brain tumours, peripheral blood, and bone marrow specimens. This role ensures that all specimens are collected and processed in a timely and standardised manner, enabling high-quality research and clinical trials.
Support for Clinical Trials and Research ProjectsBy maintaining and distributing biospecimens, the Biobank Coordinator will support ongoing national and international clinical trials and translational research projects. This role is essential for enabling patient enrolment in trials, contributing to advancements in paediatric cancer research, and ensuring that RCH patients have access to cutting-edge treatments.
Data Management and Quality ControlThe coordinator will ensure accurate data collection and documentation for all biospecimens, maintaining high standards of quality control. This meticulous data management is crucial for the integrity of research and for meeting the ethical and governance requirements of clinical trials.Enhancement of Research Infrastructure
The Biobank Coordinator will work closely with the CCCBS Manager and other key stakeholders to expand the expertise and capacity of the workforce. This includes implementing new protocols for specimen collection and processing, developing primary cancer cell lines for research, and supporting the integration of genomic advances into precision treatment.
The Biobank Coordinator role is crucial for the continued success and expansion of the CCCBS, enabling the collection and distribution of biospecimens that are vital for clinical trials and research projects. Your contribution will help provide critical resources, support groundbreaking research, and ultimately improve the lives of children battling cancer.