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 - Translational Prostate Cancer

• 12-months fixed term, part or full time role (parental leave backfill)
• From 0.6 EFT to 1.0 EFT depending on the ideal candidate
• Level A Equivalent [1RA2-1RA6, depending on qualifications & experience]

About the role

The position will provide research support within the laboratory and will assume responsibility for a variety of research projects within the prostate cancer research group. 

The role responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Coordinating clinical trial biospecimen processing and shipments – including acquisition of samples from external parties or clinical trial sites, retrieval of archival samples, biospecimen banking/storage
• Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry staining and analysis, DNA/RNA extractions, and sample submissions to core facilities or third parties as required
• Liaising with clinical trial staff, clinician scientists and other parties to progress the translational aims of the clinical trials
• Facilitate ordering, approvals and invoicing for trial-related expenses
• Assist with laboratory requirements and supplies for clinical trials
• Assist with providing progress updates and reports on experimental progress for clinical trial principal investigators and other parties
• Documentation, database maintenance and data entry as required

About you

The successful candidate will have high level organisational skills, with a demonstrated capacity to establish and achieve goals. They will also have excellent oral and written communication skills whilst demonstrating an ability to work as part of a team.

You'll bring with you:

• Successful completion of Bachelor's Degree in Medical/Laboratory Science or related field or equivalent qualifications or research experience
• Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience in a similar role
• Experience in biospecimen processing
• Experience in biospecimen-based translational research projects including: DNA/RNA-based methods
• Able to attend and contribute at laboratory meetings, seminars and journal club meetings as required
• To be able to work after hours or on weekends when the research demands so dictates
• A demonstrated capacity to work in a collegiate manner with other staff in the workplace

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

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, resume and response to selection criteria 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:  Shahneen Sandhu

Email:  

Applications Close: 3 September 2025

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Position Summary

The position will provide research support within the laboratory and will assume responsibility for a variety of research projects within the prostate cancer research group.

The role responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• coordinating clinical trial biospecimen processing and shipments – including acquisition of samples from external parties or clinical trial sites, retrieval of archival samples, biospecimen banking/storage
• immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry staining and analysis, DNA/RNA extractions, and sample submissions to core facilities or third parties as required
  liaising with clinical trial staff, clinician scientists and other parties to progress the translational aims of the clinical trials
• facilitate ordering, approvals and invoicing for trial-related expenses
• assist with laboratory requirements and supplies for clinical trials
• assist with providing progress updates and reports on experimental progress for clinical trial principal investigators and other parties
• documentation, database maintenance and data entry as required

Enterprise Agreement
Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement Classification or Salary Range

Level A (1RA2 - 1RA6) depending on experience

Immunisation Risk Category

Category A: Position involving direct patient contact, potential for exposure to blood, body fluid, human tissue specimens during course of a normal working day

Key Relationships

Internal

• Peter Mac Prostate Cancer Research Program
• Cancer Research Division
• Laboratory staff and students
• Other research staff and students
• Other Peter Mac staff and students

External

• External collaborators
• Suppliers

Skills

Essential Requirements

• Successful completion of Bachelor's Degree in Medical/Laboratory Science or related field or equivalent qualifications or research experience
• Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience in a similar role
• Experience in biospecimen processing
• Experience in biospecimen-based translational research projects including: DNA/RNA-based methods
• High level organisational skills, with demonstrated capacity to establish and achieve goals
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Able to attend and contribute at laboratory meetings, seminars and journal club meetings as required
• To be able to work after hours or on weekends when the research demands so dictates
• A demonstrated capacity to work in a collegiate manner with other staff in the workplace

Desirable Requirements  

• Understanding and experience of working on clinical trials
• Experience in other molecular techniques, IHC, FACS

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities  
Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators  

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

• Carry out experiments that fulfil the aims of the project 
• Careful and precise experimental technique  
• Accurate analysis and interpretation of data  
• Ability to follow and understand instructions  
• Willingness to learn  
• Ability to work with limited supervision  
• Careful, accurate and timely record keeping 
• High level of integrity and ethics

2.  Communication of research outcomes 

• Presentation of research results at meetings, seminars and conferences
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in the laboratory and the Research Division
• Contributes to discussions, lab, cluster and program meetings
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

3.  Foster a good working relationship with colleagues 

• Good working relationships with others both within the laboratory and within the institute 
• Polite and respectful with others both within the laboratory and within the institute
• Ability to work in a team 
• Willingness to help others in lab as required

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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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