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  - Slaney/Darcy Laboratory

• 12 month, Fixed term, Full-Time position
• Salary classification 1RA4-1RA6 (depending on skills and qualifications)
• 40 hours per week with Monthly ADO's

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic Research Assitant to join the Slaney / Darcy Laboratory.  

The position involves the study of immunotherapy of cancer. More specifically, the research project will involve the production of gene-modified T cells and assessing their function in vitro and in mouse model systems.  The successful candidate wll have experience in flow cytometry, cell culture and various immunolgical assays. 

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 & ADOs
• 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, 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: Clare Slaney and Phil Darcy

Email:

Applications Close: 10 December 2025
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Position Summary

The position involves the study of immunotherapy of cancer. More specifically, the research project will involve the production of gene-modified T cells and assessing their function in vitro and in mouse model systems. 

Enterprise Agreement

Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement

Classification or Salary Range

1RA4 - 1RA6 depending on skills and 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:

•    Other research laboratory staff and students

•    Core research facilities staff

•    Other Peter Mac staff and students

External:

•    External collaborators on NHMRC and NBCF grants

•    Suppliers

•    Currus Biologics (spinout company) and subcontracted companies

 

Skills

Essential Requirements:

•    Experience in flow cytometry

•    Cell culture experience

•    Experience in immunological assays, including those to determine cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and cell proliferation

•    Experience in experimental mouse techniques

Desirable Requirements:

•    Experience in microscopy and histological techniques

•    Experience in molecular biology

Key Accountabilities

1. Performance objectives 

•    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 and work within a group

•    Careful, accurate and timely record keeping

•    High level of integrity and ethics

•    Hard working with high level work ethic

2. Communication of research outcomes

•    Ability to communicate effectively with others in the laboratory and the Research Division

•    Attendance at weekly divisional semiars, lab meetings and project steering meetings

•    Clear communication of weekly activities to ensure all team members know ongoing operations

•    Excellent oral and written communication skills

3. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues

•    Development of a good working relationship with others in the laboratory and Research Division

•    Ability to work in a team

•    Willingness to help others in lab as required

4. Continuous Quality Improvement. Infection Control. Adheres to the principles of Infection Control in accordance with Peter Mac policies and procedures.
Occupational Health & Safety. Takes all reasonable steps to ensure a safe environment. Understands emergency procedures and location of emergency equipment
Privacy. Adheres to the Peter Mac privacy policy

•    Complies with Infection Control policies and procedures 100% of the time

•    Completes incident reports 100% of the time and responds appropriately to OH&S incidents

•    Attends Health & Safety training on emergency procedures annually and is capable of identifying emergency equipment in place

•    Follows established procedures

5. Human Resource Management
Human Resources. Takes all reasonable steps to prevent bullying, discrimination and harassment in the workplace
Performance Development & Review. Participates in and/or conducts annual performance development and review
Recruitment & Selection. Adheres to Peter Mac policy
Performance Management. Adheres to Peter Mac policy

•    Complies with Peter Mac policies to maintain a safe work place

•    Participates and/or conducts annual performance development and review on 100% of staff

•    Follows established procedures

•    Follows established procedures and guidelines

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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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