Post Doctoral Researcher - M Dawson Lab

Date:  30 Jun 2025
Site:  VCCC (Parkville)
Location: 

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company:  Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Unit:  Dawson M
Division:  Cancer Research
Department:  Laboratory Research
Enterprise Agreement:  Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sect
Dawson M

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

 

Postdoctoral Researcher  - Mark Dawson Laboratory

 

Applicants are invited to join an exciting multi-discliplinary research program within the Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory led by Mark Dawson at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne (www.thedawsonlab.com), focusing on the development of epigenetic therapeutic targets in acute leukaemia.

 

The position requires a highly motivated and skilled scientist with a specific interest in DNA repair and replication pathways. This specific project will utilise a broad range of cell and molecular biology, protein biochemistry and genomics to develop novel epigenetic therapeutics. A candidate with experience in studying DNA repair, with a background in protein biochemistry and structural biology will be highly desirable. This position is responsible for:

  • Carrying out experiments and analysing data that fulfills the aims of the project
  • Accurate analysis and interpretation of data
  • Careful, accurate and timely record keeping with a high level of integrity and ethics
  • Communication of research outcomes through presentation of results and participation in lab meetings

 

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct rigorous, valid and ethical research both independently and as part of a research team.

 

The position will be initially for a fixed term of 24 months with the opportunity to extend. Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

 

This position is:

  • 24-months fixed-term, full-time
  • 80 hours per fortnight with monthly ADOs
  • Onsite presence essential at 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
  • Basic Salary Range: $99,725.81 to $115,527.48 AUD
  • Attractive salary packaging offers available
  • Advertising from 30 June 2025 to 29 July 2025

 

Applicants to this role should provide a covering letter outlining their interest and experience and also provide their responses against the selection criteria (found in the Position Description under Essential and Desirable Requirements sections) 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: Dane Vassiliadis

Email: Dane.Vassiliadis@petermac.org

 

Applications Close: 29 July 2025
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Position Summary

Applicants are invited to join an exciting multi-discliplinary research program within the Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory led by Mark Dawson at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne (www.thedawsonlab.com), focusing on the development of epigenetic therapeutic targets in acute leukaemia.

 

The position requires a highly motivated and skilled scientist with a specific interest in DNA repair and replication pathways. This specific project will utilise a broad range of cell and molecular biology, protein biochemistry and genomics to develop novel epigenetic therapeutics. A candidate with experience in studying DNA repair, with a background in protein biochemistry and structural biology will be highly desirable.

 

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct rigorous, valid and ethical research both independently and as part of a research team.

 

This role is based within the Collaborative Centre for Genomic Cancer Medicine, a joint venture of the University of Melbourne and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre seeking to improve the lives of people with cancer through equitable access to personalised treatment options and prevention strategies informed by the latest genomic tests and analysis. Learn more genomic-cancer-medicine.unimelb.edu.au.

 

This role will contribute to the University of Melbourne's partnership with international genomics company Illumina by collaborating with The Advanced Genomics Collaboration, 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.

 

The position will be initially for a fixed term of 24 months with the opportunity to extend. Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Enterprise Agreement

Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021 - 2025

Classification or Salary Range

RA6 – RA10

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Category B

Key Relationships

Internal
  • Group Leader: Professor Mark Dawson
  • Dawson Laboratory staff and students
  • Cancer Therapeutics Program staff and students
  • Cluster 1 staff and students
  • Core Research facilities staff
  • Other research staff and students
  • Other Peter Mac staff and students
  • University of Melbourne: The Collaborative Centre for Genomic Cancer Medicine (CCGCM) staff 
External
  • Researchers from other national and international institutes
  • Clinicians
  • Suppliers.

Skills

Essential Requirements:     

  • PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Structural Biology
  • Minimum 3 years post-doctoral experience in the field of DNA damage and repair
  • Experience in protein biochemistry techniques
  • Experience in cryo-EM
  • Ability to work both independently and project manage a team
  • Flexibility and ability to develop new skills
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators
1. Generation of high quality, reproducible data through conduction of valid and ethical research
  • Carry out experiments and analyse data that fulfils 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
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others in the laboratory and the Research Division
  • Participate in lab meetings
  • Presentation of results to other members of the laboratory
  • 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 the laboratory as required
4. Human Resource Management 
  • Takes all reasonable steps to prevent bullying, discriminations and harassment in the workplace
  • Participates in and/or conducts annual performance development and review on 100% of staff
  • Complies with peter Mac policies to maintain a safe work place
  • Follows established procedures and guidelines

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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.