Medical Laboratory Technician Grade 1 - Molecular Pathology
MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000
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
Medical Laboratory Technician Grade 1
- Fixed-Term Full-Time Role (until February 2027)
- 80 Hours per fortnight with monthly ADOs & 5-Weeks Annual Leave & 17.5% Leave Loading
- Parkville Location, with multiple public transport options
- Salary Range from $59,207.20 to $76,346.40 + Salary Packaging + Super
About the team
The Molecular Pathology Laboratory in the Department of Pathology is recognised for its leading role in molecular and genomic diagnostic testing, supporting personalised cancer treatment and clinical trials. The team works with advanced technologies, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, collaboration, and timely patient results.
About the role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Laboratory Technician to support our expanding molecular diagnostic service. As a key member of the High Throughput Sequencing (HTS) team, you will contribute to the delivery of high quality molecular testing that underpins patient care at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and for our external clients.
A regular day will see you:
- Setting up and performing quality control for next generation sequencing (NGS) assays using both automated platforms and manual techniques.
- Conducting a range of molecular assays, including PCR, qPCR, Sanger sequencing, and MLPA.
- Receiving and accessioning specimens, and performing DNA/RNA extraction, purification, and quantification.
- Managing samples and workflows using Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
- Performing general laboratory duties, maintaining sequencing instruments and other laboratory equipment, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
About you
You are a motivated and detail oriented laboratory professional who thrives in a fast paced, collaborative environment and is committed to delivering high quality molecular diagnostic results. You hold a relevant science degree and ideally bring experience in molecular biology or diagnostic molecular pathology within an accredited laboratory setting.
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, and monthly ADO’s
- Flexible working hours
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.
Peter Mac is a child safe organisation, and we do not tolerate child abuse. We support and value all children and young people. We promote and prioritise the safety of children who are in our care or visiting our campuses.
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.
Victorian Department of Health has endorsed the initiative to restructure existing public pathology by bringing together laboratories into pathology networks operating under a lead health service. Pathology services from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital will transition to a single pathology service. This creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen the scope, scale and reach of pathology services across the Parkville precinct to benefit all Victorians. This role will transition to the new lead health service for pathology services once determined.
For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position summary. For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Georgina Ryland at georgina.ryland@petermac.org or 03 8559 6607.
Application closing date: 11:59pm Thursday 6 August 2026
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Position Summary
To provide technical support to the molecular pathology department.
Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
• specimen receipt and accessioning, handling histology slides and paraffin blocks for molecular studies, DNA / RNA extraction and quantitation, tissue microdissections, tissue culture
• performing standard molecular assays including: PCR, ddPCR, QPCR, HRM, Sanger Sequencing, MLPA, Next Generation Sequencing
• operation and maintenance of equipment
• general laboratory duties
This role will contribute to the University of Melbourne's partnership with international genomics company Illumina by collaborating with The Advanced Genomics Collaboration by jointly fostering the development of world-leading genomics research and innovation activities and to accelerate the translation of these innovation through to adoption in the healthcare system.
Enterprise Agreement
Allied Health Professionals
Classification or Salary Range
BU1 – BU8
Immunisation Risk Category
Key Relationships
| Internal | Clinicians, genetic counsellors, researchers, and pathology scientists |
| External | Clinicians, external clients and institutions |
Education
Skills
- Demonstrable skills in communication.
- Demonstrable ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
- Good attention to detail.
- Prior experience working in a diagnostic pathology laboratory.
- Demonstrable experience in performing one or more molecular assays including: PCR, ddPCR, QPCR, HRM, Sanger Sequencing, MLPA, Next Generation Sequencing.
- Demonstrable experience in one or more of specimen receipt and accessioning, handling histology slides and paraffin blocks for molecular studies, DNA / RNA extraction and quantitation, tissue microdissections, tissue culture.
Key Accountabilities
| Key Accountabilities | Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators |
| 1.Perform sample receipt and accessioning for all molecular pathology specimens | •All specimens are correctly accessioned •All specimens are correctly labelled and identified •All procedures followed correctly |
| 2.Tissues prepared for microdissection and DNA digested | •All tissue sections and blocks retrieved from and returned to source laboratories •All tissues prepared for microdissection •Accurate record keeping •DNA digested in accordance with procedure manuals |
| 3.Prepare DNA and RNA from samples | •Quality DNA and RNA prepared in accordance with procedure manuals •DNA and RNA quantitated in accordance with procedure manuals |
| 4.Establish and maintain cell lines | •All control cell lines maintained and cryopreserved •Control cell line aliquots always available for scientists •All cell counts performed correctly and aliquots contain correct number of cells •All cell lines correctly entered into inventory |
| 5.Handling of clinical trial and referred specimens | •All clinical trial and referred specimens are handled, processed and dispatched in accordance with protocols •Liaises effectively with trial coordinators and external laboratory staff •Correct use of clinical cost centres |
| 6.Perform molecular assays | •Performance of broad range of molecular assays under the supervision of a trained scientist including: PCR setup, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), Quantitative PCR (QPCR), HRM, Sanger Sequencing, MLPA, Targeted amplicon and Capture Next Generation Sequencing |
| 7.Maintenance and operation of equipment | •All equipment maintained and operated in accordance with equipment and procedure manuals |
Key Accountabilities (Contd..)
| 8.Performs general laboratory duties | •General laboratory duties (e.g. reagent preparation, waste disposal, laboratory tidiness) performed as required and on request from scientists •Administrative duties as required |
| 9.Work practices are in accordance with the laboratory quality systems and procedures | •Ensures that work practices are in accordance the laboratory quality systems and procedures at all times •Ensures that laboratory documentation is up to date at all times •Works cooperatively with the Quality Manager |
| 10.Recognises and reports any laboratory problems to senior scientific staff | •Liaises well with other staff members to ensure that all molecular pathology testing adheres to the relevant protocols •Seeks the advice of the senior scientific staff to solve any scientific and technical problems in the laboratory |
| 11.Quality Assurance | •Participates where appropriate in internal and external QA programs •Promptly reports procedural breakdowns, errors and incidents by means of the non-conformance reporting system •Participates in educational activities including attendance at internal and external training courses, clinical and scientific meetings •Maintains and develops own specialised skills. Embraces skill extension, innovation and change |
| 12.Helps maintain external client base | •Cooperates with and assists external clients |
| 13.Work as part of a team | •Communicates and cooperates with co-workers to ensure work is completed within appropriate timeframes |
| 14.Conduct is ethical | •Acts in accordance with Institute ethical guidelines and those established by relevant bodies including NATA, NPAAC, RCPA •Patient confidentiality and privacy is protected |
| 15.Work is performed safely | •Ensures that all work practices are safe and conform to Institute OH&S guidelines and standards |
| 16.Professional approach to work | •Acts in accordance with Institute policy in all matters |
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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.