Research Assistant

At Peter Mac we aim to continuously improve cancer care, research and education across all cancers and for all people affected by cancer: changing lives, breaking new ground. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values, Excellence, Compassion and Innovation. Welcoming people from a wide variety of different backgrounds and experiences is critical to fostering innovation, cultivating compassion, attracting and retaining top talent and providing the best possible cancer care for our patients.

YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE
 

RESEARCH ASSISTANT – MOLECULAR GENOMICS CORE

• 12-month fixed term, full time position (with possibility for extension per funding availability)
• Seeking a Level A Research Technologist: 1RA1-1RA6
• Attractive salary packaging options are available

About the role

A Research Assistant is required to support research activities in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and related technologies. Working within the Peter Mac Molecular Genomics Core, the successful candidate will process samples following established protocols and provide assistance to researchers as needed. The role also includes testing and implementing new assays, developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for broader use, and maintaining laboratory equipment and reagents. In addition, the position involves contributing to administrative tasks and staying informed about emerging genomics methodologies and products. Applicants should have demonstrated experience in DNA and RNA handling and a solid background in molecular biology.

About you

The ideal candidate will meet the following essential requirements whilst experience in Next Generation Sequencing, data analysis and liquid handling automation platforms is desired.

• Minimum BSc(Hons) or equivalent in Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology 
• Experience in molecular biology techniques and/or genomic technologies
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail and troubleshooting capacity
• High quality written and oral communication skills
• Flexibility and ability to develop new skills

Our benefits

We offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally, including:

• Up to $11,660 in salary packaging to increase your take home pay
• Discounted health insurance and eye care
• A comprehensive health and wellbeing program
• Public transport options at our doorstep and end of trip facilities for cyclists
• Onsite eateries and coffee shops and inviting rooftop garden spaces
• Pathways for professional development and new career opportunities
• Five weeks annual leave, 17.5% leave loading & purchased leave options
• Flexible, hybrid working practices

Inclusion and belonging

Peter Mac celebrates, values and supports a diverse and inclusive environment which reflects our vibrant community. We encourage applications from anyone identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. We also welcome anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, linguistically, culturally and/or gender diverse, people with disability, and people of any age to apply for our roles.

Join us

If you feel this role is right for you we warmly invite you to apply, and encourage your early application. All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory police check and may include vaccination requirements. Should you need assistance or require any adjustments or accommodations to fully participate in the application or interview process, you are welcome to reach out to the contact person listed. We acknowledge that not all applicants will meet the full list of selection criteria outlined, and wherever possible we will consider applications where relevant experience can apply.

Applicants to this role should provide a covering letter outlining relative key skills and experience to assist us with our assessment.

For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position summary. Alternatively, please contact us using the information below for a confidential discussion.

Hiring Manager: Timothy Semple

Email:

Applications Close: 20 November 2025
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Position Summary

A Research Assistant is required to provide research support in the area of Next Generation Sequencing and associated technologies. Working within the Peter Mac Molecular Genomics Core, the person will process samples according to well established protocols and assist researcher's needs. In addition, the person will help to test and implement new assays and write SOPs for other researchers to use. 

The position also involves manipulation and maintenance of equipment and reagents, assisting with the group's administrative tasks and surveying new genomics-related methodologies and products.

This position requires the person to have demonstrated experience in DNA/RNA handling/processing and background on molecular biology.

Enterprise Agreement

Allied Health Professionals

Classification or Salary Range

1RA1 - 1RA4

Immunisation Risk Category

Category C: Position within a non-clinical setting

Key Relationships

Position Reports to:

Direct:    Head, Peter Mac Molecular Genomics Core, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Indirect:    General Manager Research Division; Associate Director Laboratory Research

Internal Relationships:

•    Molecular Genomics Core staff 

•    Laboratory research staff & students, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and UoM Cantre for Cancer Research

•    Bioinformatics specialists at Peter Mac

•    Core Platform Technologies staff

•    Molecular Pathology staff 

•    Facilities and PPP staff

•    Procurement & Support Services staff

External Relationships

•    Honeywell

•    Precinct & Building Partners

•    VCCC Alliance Partners

•    Relevant regulatory bodies

•    AGRF

•    Commercial vendors and service engineers

Education
Skills

Essential Requirements     

•    Minimum BSc(Hons) or equivalent in Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology 

•    Experience in molecular biology techniques and/or genomic technologies

•    Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

•    Excellent organizational and time management skills

•    Demonstrated attention to detail and troubleshooting capacity

•    High quality written and oral communication skills

•    Flexibility and ability to develop new skills

Desirable Requirements     

•    Experience in Next Generation Sequencing

•    Experience in data analysis

•    Experience with liquid handling automation platforms

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations
Key Accountabilities

1. Generation of high quality, reproducible data through the conduction of valid and ethical research    

•    Understands protocols, careful and precise experimental technique, meets quality standards.

•    Accurate analysis, interpretation of data and troubleshooting.

•    Organizes the work load, samples are processed at an efficient throughput.

•    Willingness to learn, develop and implement new techniques.

•    Accurate use and maintenance of equipment, including software.

•    Ability to work with limited supervision.

•    Careful, accurate and timely record keeping. Assists with administrative tasks such as cost recovery and stock maintenance.

•    High level of integrity and ethics.

2. Communication of research outcomes    

•    Ability to communicate effectively with others in the Molecular Genomics Core and the Laboratory Research Department. 

•    SOPs are up to date and well documented.

•    Molecular Genomics Core users are assisted as required.

•    Participation in lab meetings, discussions, workshops and forums. 

•    Presentation of results to lab members and other internal and external research staff and students.

•    Excellent oral and written skills.

3. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues    

•    Contributes to achieve common goals at the MGC

•    Integrates and oversees different aspects of genomics experiments, establishing clear expectations and open communication by fostering a work culture that supports the ongoing growth and development of all staff.

•    Works collaboratively with other Peter Mac, UoM and VCCC research staff and students to promote and implement cutting edge genomics techniques.

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

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For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position profile. Alternatively, please contact us for a confidential discussion.

Peter Mac is a child safe organisation and has a commitment to child safety and wellbeing.

WHY WORK FOR PETER MAC

• Peter Mac offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally.
• Our staff benefits include award winning facilities, professional development and events, a health and wellbeing program, flexible work practices and policies and financial benefits such as salary packaging.
• We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.

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