Post Doctoral Researcher - Beavis Lab

Req ID: 7017

Date: 13 Mar 2026

Site: VCCC (Parkville)

Location:

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Unit: Beavis

Division: Cancer Research

Department: Laboratory Research

Enterprise Agreement: Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sect

Beavis

YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE

Post Doctoral Researcher, Beavis Laboratory

2-years Fixed Term, Full Time
Salary Classification 1RA6 - 1RA10 ($99,725.81 to $115,527.48 p.a. AUD) depending on skills and experience
80 hours per fortnight plus monthly ADO's

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 role

An opportunity exists immediately for a motivated and highly skilled post-doctoral scientist to join the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre within the Beavis laboratory, under the supervision of Dr. Isabelle Munoz. With experience in molecular biology, immune cell culture and flow cytometry the successful candidate will lead a high-impact project focused on engineering next-generation CAR T cells for solid tumours, with an emphasis on transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic reprogramming to enhance persistence, fitness, safety, and overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment. This role offers substantial scientific independence, close mentorship, and strong opportunities for high-impact publications and career development.

About you

You will hold a PhD in cancer immunotherapy, immunology, cell biology or related field and be motivated to make a significant contribution to the field of cancer immunology.

You'll bring experience in:

Molecular biology
Immunological assays
Cell culture
Flow cytometry
Mouse work
General laboratory duties
PhD, preferably in Cancer Immunotherapy, Immunology or cellular biology.

Experience in the generation of genetically modified cells, in vivo immunology and bioinformatics analysis will be an advantage

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: Paul Beavis and Isabelle Munoz

Email: paul.beavis@petermac.org, isabelle.munoz@petermac.org

Applications Close: 11.59pm Friday 27 March 2026
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Position Summary

An opportunity exists immediately for a motivated and highly skilled post-doctoral scientist to join the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The postdoctoral researcher will be supervised by Prof. Paul Beavis and Dr. Isabelle Munoz and will be encouraged to develop independent research directions aligned with the lab’s goals. The successful candidate will lead a high-impact project focused on engineering next-generation CAR T cells for solid tumours, with an emphasis on transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic reprogramming to enhance persistence, fitness, safety, and overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment. This role offers substantial scientific independence, close mentorship, and strong opportunities for high-impact publications and career development.

Enterprise Agreement

Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021 - 2026

Classification or Salary Range

1RA6 - 1RA10

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Category A

Key Relationships

Internal

Staff and students within the Research Division
Other Peter Mac staff

External

Researchers from other research centres

Skills

Essential Requirements

PhD in cancer immunotherapy, immunology, cell biology, or a related field
Strong experimental experience in molecular biology, immune cell culture, and flow cytometry
Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, analyse, and interpret experiments
Track record of leading manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed journals
High level of scientific integrity, organisation, and attention to detail
Motivation to make a significant contribution to the field of cancer immunotherapy

Desirable Requirements

Experience of disseminating data at both national and international meetings
Experience with gene-editing techniques (CRISPR/Cas9)
Immune cell metabolism
Proven ability to perform in vivo mouse work
Bioinformatics analysis (bulk, single-cell RNA-seq or related datasets)

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities	Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators
1. Performing experiments to a high standard	Perform experiments to a consistently high scientific standard using rigorous, reproducible methodologies and attention to detail Accurately analyse, interpret, and critically evaluate experimental data Show a proactive approach to learning, problem-solving, and continuous skill development Work effectively with a high degree of independence while appropriately seeking guidance when needed Careful, accurate and timely record keeping Demonstrate a strong commitment to scientific integrity, ethical conduct, and responsible research practices
2. Communication of research outcomes	Communicate effectively with collaborators within and outside Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Assist with the preparation of abstracts, reports, and grant applications as required Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, figures, and supplementary materials for publication Present research findings clearly and effectively at lab meetings and internal meetings to other lab members Excellent oral and written communication skills
3. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues	Foster productive and respectful working relationships within the laboratory and research division Contribute positively to a collaborative and inclusive research environment
4. Training of junior staff/students	Assist in the training and supervision of students and junior staff Promote reproducibility and best practice in experimental design and execution Accurate recording of protocols to ensure reproducibility of experiments
5. Abides by OHS requirements	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

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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.