Postdoctoral Researcher - Bowtell Laboratory

Req ID: 7395

Date: 10 Jun 2026

Site: VCCC (Parkville)

Location:

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Unit: Bowtell

Division: Cancer Research

Department: Laboratory Research

Enterprise Agreement: Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sect

Bowtell

YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE

Postdoctoral Researcher - Cancer Immunology and Genomics

12-month Fixed-Term, Full-Time position - 80 hours per fortnight (with potential to extend).
Up to $73,762.00 (Level A: 1RA1) to $105,846.00 (Level A: 1RA10) per annum base + salary packaging + super + 5-weeks annual leave.
Attractive salary packaging options are available.

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

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Bowtell Laboratory, a leading Australian cancer genomics group and a major contributor to international ovarian cancer research. The lab focuses on understanding the biological and immune determinants of response to therapy in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC), with the aim of improving patient outcomes.

In this role, the successful candidate will work with Professor David Bowtell, Dr Dale Garsed and collaborators to investigate novel immunobiologics and immunotherapies in ovarian cancer. The position will focus on developing and applying advanced ex vivo human tissue culture systems to functionally evaluate immunotherapeutic strategies, alongside exploring the therapeutic potential of antibody-derived biologics identified in long-term survivors.

The position involves the use of primary human tumour samples and application of a range of cutting-edge approaches including 3D tissue models, functional immune assays, flow cytometry, multiplex imaging, molecular profiling and drug response assays. Up to $73,762.00 (Level A: 1RA1) to $105,846.00 (Level A: 1RA10) per annum base + salary packaging + super + 5-weeks annual leave.

About you

The successful applicant will have a strong background in immunology, with demonstrated expertise in cell and molecular biology techniques. Experience in B cell or plasma cell biology is essential, and experience in cancer genomics or translational research is highly desirable. Candidates with experience in advanced culture systems, functional immune profiling, or working with patient-derived samples will be highly regarded.

This is an opportunity to contribute to impactful translational research within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, working closely with clinicians, researchers and national and international partners.

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 must address the essential criteria as listed under experience / qualifications in the position description in a separate attachment.

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.

Contact Person: Professor David Bowtell

Contact Details: david.bowtell@petermac.org

Closing Date: 11.59pm Thursday 11 June 2026.

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Position Summary

The Bowtell Laboratory is a leading Australian human cancer genomics group and a major contributor to ovarian cancer research internationally. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Professor David Bowtell and a multidisciplinary team investigating novel immunobiologics and immunotherapy in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC).

This role will focus on establishing and applying innovative ex vivo human tissue culture systems to functionally evaluate immunotherapeutic strategies and explore the therapeutic potential of novel biological agents derived from antibodies identified in long-term survivors.

The successful applicant will have demonstrated experience in cancer immunology, with additional experience in cell biology and/or genomics highly desirable. The position will involve the culture of primary tumour tissue obtained from surgery, functional testing of immune-mediated tumour killing in 3D human tissue models, flow cytometry, histological/multiplex imaging, molecular profiling, and drug response assays. These activities are supported by established infrastructure, including the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study and the Peter Mac Centre for Advanced Histology and Microscopy.

The position requires a highly motivated and technically skilled researcher with expertise in advanced culture systems and functional immune profiling. Experience in B cell and/or plasma cell biology is essential, and competency in cancer genomics is highly desirable. The successful candidate will drive independent research projects while working collaboratively with laboratory scientists, clinicians, and national and international partners to support shared research objectives and joint initiatives.

Enterprise Agreement

Allied Health Professionals

Classification or Salary Range

Level A (1RA4-1RA10)

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

Supervisors: Professor David Bowtell, Dr Dale Garsed
Members of the Bowtell Laboratory
Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS) staff
Clinical and pathology teams
Other members of the Cancer Immunology Program
Core Facilities, including the Centre for Advanced Histology and Microscopy and the Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics
Ethics, governance and data management committees
Cancer Research Division staff and students
Other Peter Mac staff and students

external

International and national collaborators
Funders, donors and advocacy groups
Patient advocates and people with lived experiences of cancer
Clinical and research staff from other research institutions
Suppliers and research facilities

Skills

Essential Requirements

PhD in Cancer Immunology, Immunobiologics, Adaptive Immunology or a related area of biological or cancer research
Demonstrated experience in tumour biology, cell culture (3D models, organoids or tissue explants preferred), immunological assays, and functional immune profiling
Strong technical expertise in cellular and molecular methodologies, including flow cytometry, cytokine profiling, B/T cell repertoire/phylogeny analyses, RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and multiplex immunofluorescence
Proven experience in complex experimental design and data analysis, including appropriate statistical approaches and consideration of bias/reproducibility
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, including project leadership and supervision of junior researchers or students
Strong track record of high-quality research output, including first author publications in a relevant field
Deep knowledge of immunology, with a strong interest in translational cancer research
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment
Excellent organisational and data management skills, with strong attention to detail and accurate record keeping practices
Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data clearly and effectively using appropriate visualisation tools
Flexibility, initiative, and problem-solving ability, with a willingness to learn new skills
High level of computer literacy, including proficiency in standard software environments (e.g. Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel and Outlook)
Understanding of ethical frameworks and regulatory requirements governing the use of human tissue in research

Desirable Requirements

Knowledge of ovarian cancer biology and/or the tumour microenvironment
Experience working with therapeutic antibodies, immunotherapies, or related biologics (e.g. CAR T cells)
Experience in cancer genomics, including bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics, and DNA sequencing.
Experience in translational cancer research, including handling and processing patient-derived biospecimens
Experience establishing and applying ex vivo tumour models or other advanced 3D tissue systems
Demonstrated ability, or strong potential, to obtain independent research funding
Experience supervising and mentoring research staff and/or students
Experience working collaboratively with clinical colleagues in a translational research setting
Experience contributing to large-scale, multidisciplinary research programs or consortia
Proficiency in analysing and interpreting complex multi-omic datasets
Bioinformatics and data integration experience, including competency in R or similar analytical platforms

Key Accountabilities

1.Conducts rigorous, valid and ethical research both independently and as part of the laboratory team	Competently carries out experiments that fulfil the aims of the projects Excellent technical skills and eye for detail Contribute to protocol harmonisation and reproducibility Accurate analysis and interpretation of experimental results Willingness to learn and follow instructions Ability to work independently and identify areas where extra assistance is required Regular attendance at group and program meetings Willingness to support other team members to facilitate ongoing research projects High level of integrity and ethics Complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner
2.Communication of research outcomes	Writing and publishing of research papers Oral and poster presentations at conferences Participation in discussions, laboratory and program meetings Ability to communicate effectively with others in the laboratory and theResearch Division Presentation of results to other members of the team, collaborators, and the scientific community, including consumers, funders and advocacy groups Excellent oral and written communication skills
3.Input into the administrative andmanagement functions of thelaboratory	Contributes to discussions, laboratory and program meetings Provides help and regular feedback to laboratory staff and students Complete research-based grant/fellowship reports and applications Maintain/apply for ethics board approvals and submit reports as necessary

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

4.Foster a good working relationship with colleagues

Coordinate with clinical, pathology and biobank teams for sample acquisition and processing
Good working relationships with others both within the laboratory and Peter Mac broadly
Ability to work in a team
Willingness to help others as required

5.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. Understandsemergency procedures and location of emergency equipment

Privacy.

Adheres to the Peter Mac privacy policy

6. Human Resource Management

Human Resources.

Takes all reasonable steps to prevent bullying, discrimination andharassment in the workplace

Performance Development & Review.

Participates in and/or conducts annual performance development andreview

Recruitment & Selection.

Adheres to Peter Mac policy

Performance Management.

Adheres to Peter Mac policy

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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.