Lingchen Liu
Brisbane,QLD
Summary
PhD-trained cancer genomics researcher, specialising in Oxford Nanopore LRS for tumour analysis. Developed and benchmarked end-to-end ONT workflows for clinical cancer genomics, with findings published in a first-author paper and shared directly with ONT’s technical team to support EPI2ME somatic variant calling pipeline improvements. Skilled in scientific communication, technical troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration. Awarded competitive funding, including a QIMR Berghofer Top-Up Scholarship and two Travel Awards. Passionate about advancing genomic research and improving user experiences in complex data environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PhD Research(Medical Genomics Group - Nic Waddell)
The University of Queensland
Brisbane, QLD
01.2022 - 12.2025
- Developed and optimised somatic variant calling workflows for clinical cancer samples using Nanopore LRS; findings were directly shared with the ONT Australia support team to inform improvements to the EPI2ME somatic variant pipeline. Published as first author: BMC Genomics, 2024 (DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10792-3).
- Co-developed clinical standards for ONT-based cancer genomics (3rd author, under review), defining best practices for tumour purity, sequencing depth, and analysis pipelines through systematic wet- and dry-lab optimisation.
- Advanced ONT’s research applications by investigating novel cancer biology using LRS (manuscript in preparation).
- Presented findings at 10+ scientific meetings, including ASHG 2023 and the upcoming EMBL 2025 conference, as well as ONT community and domestic conferences, effectively communicating technical insights to diverse scientific and user audiences.
- Secured competitive funding, including a QIMR Berghofer Top-Up scholarship and two travel awards.
University Tutor in Bioinformatics
The University of Queensland
Brisbane, QLD
02.2025 - 06.2025
- Delivered hands-on training to 100+ students on bioinformatics pipelines using the Galaxy platform, simplifying complex concepts and result interpretation through clear, step-by-step demonstrations.
- Provided frontline technical support via Ed Discussion, resolving issues related to tool errors, pipeline failures, and data discrepancies within 24 hours—demonstrating responsiveness aligned with ONT’s support standards.
- Collaborated with tutors to enhance and test tutorial materials, aligning content with learning goals, and optimising workflows for varying skill levels, showcasing the ability to refine technical documentation for diverse users.
- Guided students through real-time troubleshooting, teaching error resolution techniques such as log file analysis and parameter optimisation—skills directly transferable to supporting ONT users with sequencing workflows.
Operational Officer
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (QIMR)
Brisbane, QLD
02.2023 - 06.2023
- Tracked and managed equipment usage across departments, ensuring timely maintenance, identifying unused or faulty equipment, and supporting effective resource planning.
- Maintained accurate equipment records and prepared summary reports to support internal audits and inform management decisions on maintenance and procurement.
- Collaborated with other departments to assess operational needs and coordinate equipment support, ensuring smooth day-to-day function and alignment with organisational standards.
Laboratory Demonstrator
The University of South Australia
Adelaide, SA
02.2020 - 12.2020
- Led 40+ hands-on lab sessions, training students in molecular techniques and data analysis, while troubleshooting procedural and equipment issues.
- Managed safety compliance, including hazardous waste disposal and equipment calibration, ensuring audit-ready operations.
- Improved lab workflows and quality control by validating reagents, updating protocols, and collaborating with faculty to reduce procedural errors and ensure consistent lab performance.
Research Assistant
The University of South Australia (Neuro-regeneration group)
Adelaide, SA
12.2018 - 06.2019
- Executed complex experiments (animal behaviour, immunofluorescence, tissue sectioning), demonstrating precision with sensitive protocols.
- Contributed to experimental design and protocol development by collaborating with investigators on study planning and refining data collection tools, ensuring scientific rigour and reproducibility.
- Co-authored peer-reviewed publication:
Lin LY, Kelliny S, Liu LC, Al-Hawwas M, Zhou XF, Bobrovskaya L. Peripheral ProBDNF Delivered by an AAV Vector to the Muscle Triggers Depression-Like Behaviours in Mice. Neurotox Res. 2020.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Adelaide, SA
07.2018 - 12.2018
- Guaranteed diagnostic reliability through strict adherence to SOPs for specimen processing, equipment maintenance, and quality control checks, ensuring consistent compliance with clinical standards.
- Prevented procedural errors by carefully adhering to protocols for sample handling and instrument calibration, safeguarding the integrity of sensitive diagnostic workflows.
- Delivered time-sensitive results to clinicians, interpreting lab data, and collaborating cross-functionally to support patient care.
Education
Ph.D. - Faculty of Medicine
University of Queensland
Brisbane, QLD12-2025
Master of Bioinformatics (Coursework One Year) -
University of Queensland
Brisbane, QLD12-2021
Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (First-Class Honours) - School of Health Sciences
University of South Australia
Adelaide, SA12-2019
Skills
- Cancer genomic
- Bioinformatics
- Data interpretation
- Technical troubleshooting
- Scientific communication
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Project management
- Multitasking
Affiliations
- ECR convenor, QIMR Berghofer (2023) – Helped organise events and initiatives to support early-career researchers across the institute, fostering professional development and community engagement.
- Ekka Education Program Volunteer (2023 and 2024) – Promoted science education and public awareness of QIMR research through outreach activities and interactive demonstrations.
- Student Night Organiser, AGTA Annual Conference (2022) – Coordinated and hosted the student social event, supporting networking and engagement among early-career researchers.
Accomplishments
- QIMR Berghofer Student Travel Grant (2025)
- Luckistars Student Grant - founded by Cancer Council Queensland (2023)
- QIMR Berghofer Student Top-Up Scholarship (2023)
- Graduate School Scholarships (UQGSS) include the Research Training Program (RTP) (2022)
- UQ International Scholarship (master's enrollment) (2021)
- Graduated with first-class honours, ranked in the top 5 students of the cohort (2019)
Certification
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 76 (equivalent to IELTS 7.0)
Referee
Nic Waddell, principal supervisor
- Senior group leader
- Nic.Waddell@qimrb.edu.au (preferred)
- +61 7 3845 3538
Jia Zhang
- Research Officer
- Jia.Zhang@qimrb.edu.au (preferred)
- +61 7 3845 3966
Timeline
University Tutor in Bioinformatics
The University of Queensland
02.2025 - 06.2025
Operational Officer
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (QIMR)
02.2023 - 06.2023
PhD Research(Medical Genomics Group - Nic Waddell)
The University of Queensland
01.2022 - 12.2025
Laboratory Demonstrator
The University of South Australia
02.2020 - 12.2020
Research Assistant
The University of South Australia (Neuro-regeneration group)
12.2018 - 06.2019
Medical Laboratory Technician
Women’s and Children’s Hospital
07.2018 - 12.2018
Ph.D. - Faculty of Medicine
University of Queensland
Master of Bioinformatics (Coursework One Year) -
University of Queensland
Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (First-Class Honours) - School of Health Sciences
University of South Australia
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