Postdoctoral researcher – Familial Cancer
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
Fixed Term, Part Time Role
• Fixed term, Two-Year Contract
• 45.6 hours per fortnight
• Reporting to A/Prof Laura Forrest
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and organised Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Psychosocial Cancer Genomics Research Team, led by Associate Professor Laura Forrest. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing our cancer genomics health services and implementation science research program, contributing to impactful, patient-centred genomic research.
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
• A PhD focused on a health services research or implementation science topic within genomics.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and supportive research environment within the Parkville Familial Cancer Centre at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
How to Apply
Applicants to this role should provide a covering letter and a document with responses to the selection criteria 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: Laura Forrest
Email: laura.forrest@petermac.org
Phone: 03 855 96191
Applications Close: 11:59PM Monday 24 November 2025
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Position Summary
The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in contributing to the management and conduct of the PERSONA feasibility trial. Working as part of the Psychosocial Cancer Genomics Research team lead by A/Prof Laura Forrest and in collaboration with the PERSONA investigators, the postdoctoral researcher will support the development of the trial design, establishment and operationalisation of the trial including data collection and analysis, and contribute to supervision of the research team members.
The postdoctoral researcher will have opportunity to contribute to other research initiatives within the cancer genomics health services and implementation science research program of the Psychosocial Cancer Genomics Research team.
Enterprise Agreement
Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021 - 2025
Classification or Salary Range
Level A (1RA1-10)
Immunisation Risk Category
Immunisation Category B
Key Relationships
| Internal | • A/Prof Laura Forrest • Members of the Psychosocial Cancer Genomics Research team • Members of the Familial Cancer Research Group • The Parkville Familial Cancer Centre multidisciplinary team |
| External | • Members of the research division at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre |
Skills
| Essential Requirements | • A PhD in a relevant health-related discipline, e.g., health services research, implementation science, genetic counselling, or psychology. • Experience implementing research evidence into clinical practice. • Experience designing and implementing behaviour change interventions, ideally using psychosocial models of behaviour change. • An ability to undertake gap analysis studies between evidence and practice and ideally process map findings. • Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. • An ability to work with a range of stakeholders across healthcare including clinicians, consumers, laboratory scientists, and policy makers. • Demonstrated project management skills including the ability to prioritise different work demands. • Experience in preparing and applying for research regulatory approvals. |
| Desirable Requirements | • Experience using REDCap • Excellent interpersonal skills • Ability to work independently and with other team members • Understanding of cancer genomics |
Key Accountabilities
| Key Accountabilities | Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators |
| 1. Conducts rigorous and ethical research both independently and as part of a research team | • Competently designs and undertakes research processes, including participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis. • Works independently and contributes to the research development of other research team members. • High level of integrity and work ethic. • Completion of tasks in a timely and efficient manner. |
| 2. Communication of research outcomes | • Provide updates about participant accrual and summaries of data collection to the research team and other stakeholders. • Prepares data for publication and presentations. • Drafts manuscripts and research presentations describing the research findings. • Participation in research team and group meetings. • Ability to communicate effectively with others in the team, group, and department. |
| 3. Fosters good working relationships with collegues | • Development of good working relationships with others in the research team, wider research group, and department. • Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team. • Willingness to help others in the research team as needed. |
| 4. Input into the administrative and amangement functions of the research team, including supervision of staff and students | • Contributes to discussions, lab and program meetings. • Supervision of staff and students when appropriate, including demonstrated ability to provide leadership and innovation. • Provides help and regular feedback to research team members and students. |
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.