Histologist – CAHM

Req ID: 7207

Date: 26 May 2026

Site: VCCC (Parkville)

Location:

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Unit: Core Microscopy

Division: Cancer Research

Department: Laboratory Research

Enterprise Agreement: Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sect

Core Microscopy

YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE

Histologist - Centre for Advanced Histology & Microscopy (CAHM)

Casual (approx. 0.2 FTE / 1x day per week), with option for additional shifts as required.
Research Level A (1RA1 - 1RA6), $37.33 to $45.18 per hour depending on qualifications and experience + 25% applicable casual loading
Onsite presence essential at 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

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.

About the team

The Centre for Advanced Histology & Microscopy (CAHM) at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre provides support to researchers across our four platforms; histology, optical microscopy, spatial biology, and bioimage analysis.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated histologist (research) to join our dynamic research Core Facility. The ideal candidate will have a foundation in histological techniques, including sectioning, staining, and slide scanning. This role will involve providing essential support to our researchers, clinicians, and external users.

This role will involve providing essential histology support, training, and advice to researchers across various projects and is responsible for:

Routine processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining of samples
Performing special stains and offering guidance to researchers on their appropriate use
Maintaining accurate records for histology equipment, conducting necessary maintenance, and delivering relevant training
Provide support and advice to researchers about our histology platform

Our benefits

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

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

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 and CV outlining relative key skills and experience, and address the Selection Criterias 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: Nicholas Anthony

Email: nicholas.anthony@petermac.org

Applications close: 11.59pm Tuesday 9 June 2026

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Position Summary

The Centre for Advanced Histology & Microscopy (CAHM) at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre empowers researchers with cutting-edge tools and expertise in bioimage analysis, histology, and microscopy. Our state-of-the-art facility allows for the preparation, visualisation, and quantification of biological samples at the cellular and subcellular levels.
We are seeking a highly motivated histologist (research) to join our dynamic research Core Facility. The ideal candidate will have a foundation in histological techniques, including sectioning, staining, and slide scanning. This role will involve providing essential support to our researchers, clinicians, and external users.
This part time position is available for 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility for extension.

Enterprise Agreement

Allied Health Professionals

Classification or Salary Range

Level A: 1RA1-1RA4

Immunisation Risk Category

Category C: Position within a non-clinical setting.

Key Relationships

Internal	Members of CAHM Histology Team Leader Staff members of Research Core Facilities Cancer Research Division staff and students
External	Staff and students from other research institutes

Education

Skills

Essential Requirements

Undergraduate degree in an applied science (laboratory medicine, applied sciences, etc.).
Practical experience in histology principles and techniques.
Demonstrated technical skills in histology laboratory procedures, including tissue processing, embedding, FFPE and cryosectioning, staining, and slide-scanning microscopy
Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of tissue handling, processing, sectioning, and staining, ensuring the preservation of tissue integrity.
Knowledge and experience in performing Histology special stains, including development of new standard operating procedures and methodologies, and quality control of existing stains
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with researchers at all levels.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience training users/researchers on the use of histology equipment (cryostat, microtome, autostainer, etc.)

Desirable Requirements

Experience optimizing antibody staining techniques for immunohistochemistry, ensuring high-quality and reproducible results.
Experience writing Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures
Understanding of Cancer Biology

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities	Demonstrated By / Key Performance Indicators
1. Proficient in histology procedures, including tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and slide-scanning microscopy	Ability to embed, section (both FFPE and frozen samples), and stain tissues to a high-quality at specified conditions (thickness, tissue complexity, etc.) Optimisation and adaptation of protocols for different tissue types and processes Weekly testing of the staining procedures to ensure Histological stains are in excellent condition. Maintaining detailed records of maintenance, training, and usage.
2. Collaborate effectively with researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds to understand their experimental needs	Ability to discuss experimental requirements with researchers High level of attention to detail Understanding of occupational health and safety, contributing to risk assessments and standard operating procedures Training of researchers in the use of histology equipment, and special stains
3. Development of a good working relationship with others in the Centre for Advanced Histology and Microscopy and the Research Division	Ability to work as part of a team Willingness to help others as required Provide ongoing support to researchers Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to contribute to research projects and achieve shared goals Assist in collating and entering histology charges (via iLab) monthly for the finance department. Participation in team meetings and discussions

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.