Genetic Counsellor Research Coordinator

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 THE FUTURE
Research Genetic Counsellor – Psychosocial Cancer Genomics Research
Fixed Term, Part Time Role

An exciting opportunity exists for a passionate and motivated Research Genetic Counsellor to join the Psychosocial Cancer Genomics Research Team led by A/Prof Laura Forrest at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

In this role, you will play an integral part in advancing our cancer genomics health services and implementation science research program. You'll work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving how genomic testing is delivered, communicated, and integrated into cancer care — with a strong focus on the psychosocial experience of patients and families.

About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented genetic counsellor who enjoys research and is committed to improving outcomes for people affected by cancer.

The successful candidate will:

•    Contribute to ongoing and new projects in psychosocial, health services, and implementation science research related to cancer genomics.

•    Coordinate and support study activities, including ethics submissions, participant recruitment, data collection and analysis, and manuscript preparation.

•    Work both independently and collaboratively within an established research team.

This role offers the opportunity to gain valuable research experience in a world-class cancer research environment while contributing to meaningful, translational outcomes in clinical genetics and cancer care.

About You
You will have:

•    A Master of Genetic Counselling (or equivalent qualification).

•    Experience as a research assistant or within psychosocial, health services, or implementation science research.

•    Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

•    Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, adaptable, and genuinely passionate about the intersection between genetics, patient experience, and clinical research.

Position Details

•    Employment type: Fixed term (2 years)

•    Hours: 60.8 hours per fortnight (0.8 FTE). May be considered as two 0.4 FTE roles for suitable candidates.

•    Reporting to: A/Prof Laura Forrest

How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
1.    A cover letter outlining their motivation for applying, and
2.    A document addressing the selection criteria (as detailed in the position summary).

To learn more or to apply, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the full position description.

For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Hiring Manager: A/Prof Laura Forrest
Email:
Phone Number:

Applications Close: 11:59PM Wednesday 12 November 2025

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Position Summary

The research genetic counsellor will play a key role in facilitating the enrolment of participants in the PERSONA feasibility trial. Working as part of the Psychosocial Cancer Genomics Research team lead by A/Prof Laura Forrest, the research genetic counsellor will support the development and proactively manage processes to facilitate participant enrolment and screening, provide genetic counselling to participants including assessing and communicating the outcome of a multifactorial cancer risk assessment. The research genetic counsellor will be a point of contact for general practitioners involved in PERSONA and provide research support to the PERSONA trial and to other familial cancer research projects, as needed.

Enterprise Agreement

Medical Scientists, Pharmacists and Psychologists (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement

Classification or Salary Range

Grade 2 WW4 - WW8

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Category B

Key Relationships

Internal

• Project team members
• Parkville Familial Cancer Centre clinical, research and administration staff

External

• Patients and project participants
• External project team members and stakeholders

Skills

Essential Requirements

• Master of Genetic Counselling and eligible to be active or registered as a genetic counsellor on the HGSA Register of Genetic Counsellors.
• Experience with clinical research principles and processes.
• An ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and with a range of stakeholders across healthcare including clinicians, consumers, and laboratory scientists.
• Excellent project and time management skills including the ability to prioritise different work demands, use initiative, and work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with clinical processes including an understanding of cancer risk assessments. 

Desirable Requirements

• Experience using REDCap.
• Experience enrolling patients in research and coordinating clinical research studies. 
• Previous experience working in a familial cancer service

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities
Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators

1. Support PERSONA study activities

• Assist with the development of trial procedures and suggest improvements to the study design as appropriate. 
• Manage process of participant enrolment and consent into PERSONA.
• Provide appropriate follow-up and support participants to complete data collection tools.
• Identify, document and report non-compliance, protocol deviations and other ethical issues that arise during the project.
• Proactively manage participant records, including entering data into research databases, follow-up missing and incorrect data and undertake data maintenance activities.
• Identify missing and incorrect study data and action appropriately. Actively contribute to trial management group meetings. 

2. Provide genetic counselling to PERSONA participants 

• Provide pre-test genetic counselling to participants as needed.
• Generate multifactorial breast and ovarian cancer risk assessments using CanRisk and generate plain language reports using PERSONIFY.
• Provide genetic counselling to participants about results of genetic testing, outcome of risk assessment, cancer risk management strategies, familial implications, and available support. 

3. Partner with general practitioners to deliver PERSONA

• Develop good working relationships with the general practitioners and their practice staff involved in PERSONA.
• Willingness to support general practitioners and ability to be responsive to their needs in the delivery of the multifactorial risk assessments.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of educational resources for general practitioners.

4. Fosters good working relationships with colleagues

• Development of good working relationships with others in the research team, wider research group, and department.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Willingness to help others in the research team as needed.

5. Communication of research outcomes

• Provide updates about participant accrual and summaries of data collection to the research team and other stakeholders.
• Prepare data for publication and presentations.
• Draft manuscripts and research presentations describing the research findings.
• Participation in research team and group meetings.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in the team, group, and department.

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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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