Postdoctoral Researcher - Goel Laboratory
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
Postdoctoral Researcher - Goel Laboratory
- 24-months fixed term, full time
- 80 hours per fortnight with monthly ADOs
- Attractive salary packaging options are available
About the team
The Goel Lab at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne is seeking applications for a postdoctoral research scientist. Supported by a prestigious Snow Medical Research Fellowship (AUD $8 million, 2022-2030) and a US Dept of Defense Era of Hope Scholar Award (USD $3 million, 2024-2028), the Goel Lab is intently focused on addressing fundamental unanswered questions relating to tumour dormancy and therapy-induced senescence in cancer. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the successful candidate will be key to the success of projects pertinent to these themes, leveraging the lab’s expertise and suite of purpose-built, novel in vitro and in vivo models.
Under the direction of A/Prof Shom Goel, a medical oncologist and laboratory head, the Goel Lab positions itself at the intersection of cell cycle biology, epigenetics, and tumour immunology in cancer. Specifically, we study the cell cycle machinery and how it influences cancer biology in both cancer cells and stromal cells and leverage our discoveries to design new drug therapies for cancer.
We have developed several new transgenic mouse models of cancer which have proven valuable for uncovering new mechanisms of drug activity, and our work has been published in high-impact journals including Nature (2017), Cancer Cell (2016), Cancer Discovery (2024), and Nature Cancer (2021). Importantly, several of our discoveries have translated into large-scale clinical trials.
About the role
The position will have a focus on the continuation of important work in therapy induced senescence using lineage tracing as well as other related work in this space. This position is responisble for:
- Competently carrying out experiments that fulfill the aims of the project
- Accurate analyisis and interpretation of experiment results
- Writing and leading the publication of scientific papers
- Leads appropriate research-based grant and fellowship applications
- Participation and presentation in discussions and lab meetings
The successful applicant will hold a PhD in cancer biology and therapeutics with a focus on cell cycle biology. It is essential that the candidate has a strong track record in cancer research exemplified by a broad knowledge of cancer biology.
This position is:
- Fixed term, full time
- Onsite presence essential at 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
- Basic Salary Range: $99,725.81 to $115,527.48 AUD
- Advertising from 24 July 2025 to 21 August 2025
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 and monthly ADO’s
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 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: Shom Goel
Contact Number: (03) 8559 8777
Email: Shom.Goel@petermac.org
Applications Close: 21 August 2025
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Position Summary
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow is responsible for running projects under the direction of A/Prof Shom Goel, a medical oncologist and laboratory head. The role is essential for not only high-quality research but also communicating this effectively to the scientific community, leading grant applications and supporting the next generation of researchers by supervising and mentoring students. The Goel Lab positions itself at the intersection of cell cycle biology, epigenetics, and tumour immunology in cancer. Specifically, we study the cell cycle machinery and how it influences cancer biology in both cancer cells and stromal cells and leverage our discoveries to design new drug therapies for cancer. We have developed several new transgenic mouse models of cancer which have proven valuable for uncovering new mechanisms of drug activity, and our work has been published in high-impact journals including Nature, Cancer Cell, Cancer Discovery, and Nature Cancer. Importantly, several of our discoveries have translated into large-scale clinical trials. At present, the Goel lab is focused on addressing some of the fundamental unanswered questions relating to tumour dormancy and therapy-induced senescence in cancer.
As this position is tied to a Fellowship from the Cancer Council Victoria until 2026, it is expected that the incumbent overseas all the associated aims and milestones for this, with a particular focus on “Targeting Dormant Metastatic Cells to Prevent Recurrence of Breast Cancer”. Success in this role is dependent on a high level of communication related to progress and outcomes of the associated projects.
Enterprise Agreement
Allied Health Professionals Enterprise Agreement
Classification or Salary Range
1RA6 - 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
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Education
Skills
| Essential Requirements |
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| Desirable Requirements |
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Certifications, Licenses & Registrations
Key Accountabilities
| Key Accountabilities | Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators |
| 1. Conduts rigorous, valid and ethical research both independently and as part of the laboratory team |
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| 2. Communication of research outcomes |
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| 3. Input into the administrative and management functions of the laboratory, including supervision of staff and students |
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| 4. Fosters good working relationships with colleagues |
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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.