Postdoctoral researcher – Familial Cancer

Req ID: 6866

Date: 13 Feb 2026

Site: VCCC (Parkville)

Location:

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Unit: FCC Research

Division: Chief Operating Officer

Department: Ambulatory Services Operations

Enterprise Agreement: Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sect

FCC Research

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, Full Time role – 80 Hours per Fortnight with a Monthly ADO

We are seeking a highly motivated independent Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Familial Cancer Research group, under the direction of Professor Paul James. The position is full-time (80 hours per fortnight) for a 2-year fixed term contract at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville campus, with the option for a flexible and/or part-time arrangement.

The successful candidate will be an integral member of a team leading a program of clinical research studies and trials focused on inherited genetic variation, cancer risk prediction, prevention and the translation of genomic discoveries into clinical practice.

This position offers a unique opportunity to leverage existing large multisite clinical cancer genetics datasets to address new clinical questions and generate data that has the potential to directly impact clinical practice.

Suitable candidates will possess a relevant PhD science degree and experience in oncology and/or genomics (including laboratory based, translational and/or clinical research). An ability to work independently, plan data analyses, write scientific papers and lead research-based grant and fellowship applications are essential.

Remuneration as per Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021-2026. SNR RESEARCH OFFICER: Year 1 (1SR1): 100,084,40 – Year 8 (1SR11): 125,346.00 (full-time equivalent - to be prorated for Part Time) dependent on candidate experience. To be discussed with Hiring Manager. An additional annual allowance of $7,417.28 to be applied for the relevant PhD science degree ((full-time equivalent - to be prorated for Part Time).

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: Prof Paul James
Email: paul.james@petermac.org

Applications Close: 11:59PM Sunday 15 March 2026

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Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated independent Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Familial Cancer Research group, under the direction of Professor Paul James.

The successful candidate will be an integral member of a team leading a program of clinical research studies and trials focused on inherited genetic variation, cancer risk prediction, prevention and the translation of genomic discoveries into clinical practice.

This position offers a unique opportunity to leverage existing large multisite clinical cancer genetics datasets to address new clinical questions and generate data that has the potential to directly impact clinical practice.

Suitable candidates will possess a relevant PhD science degree and experience in oncology and/or genomics. An ability to work independently, plan data analyses, write scientific papers and lead research-based grant and fellowship applications are essential.

The position is full-time (80 hours per fortnight) for a 2-year fixed term at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville campus, with the option for a flexible and/or part-time arrangement.

Enterprise Agreement

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

Classification or Salary Range

Level B (1SR6-1SR11) depending on experience

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Category B

Skills

Essential Requirements

PhD and a track record of career achievement in oncology and/or genomics (including laboratory based, translational and/or clinical research).
Demonstrated ability to conceptualise research questions and data analyses.
Experience working independently, using initiative, and managing competing priorities to meet project objectives.
Understanding of the translation of fundamental research into clinical applications.
Excellent written communications skills.
Strong organisational and time management abilities.

Desirable Requirements

Experience in epidemiology, biostatistics / bioinformatics, and /or computer science
Experience working with clinical patient datasets.
Experience in the development and application of statistical modelling techniques for addressing clinical questions.
Experience supervising PhD students and/or research support staff.
Experience securing research funding through peer-reviewed, commercial, philanthropic or other appropriate sources.
Experience designing and implementing clinical research studies, including protocol development and ethics submissions.

Key Relationships

Internal	Group Leader: Paul James Parkville Familial Cancer Centre research staff and students Clinical and administrative staff within the Centre Broader research division Peter Mac Research Computing Facility and IT departments
External	External collaborators involved in multi-site Parkville Familial Cancer Centre research projects Staff from other research institutes and hospitals

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities	Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators
1. Generation of high quality, reproducible data through conduction of valid and ethical research	Design and lead data analyses, taking advantage of the rich data available at the centre. Independently plan, manage and execute research projects Maintain accurate and detailed records of all work conducted Perform high-quality data analysis and interpretation High level of integrity and ethics Identifies new opportunities for data analysis and develops new research questions Collaborate with and lead other researchers to further the group’s research output Ability to work independently and identify areas where extra assistance is required Willingness to learn
2. Communication of research outcomes	Prepares data for publication and presentations Writes and leads the publication of scientific papers Presents research results at internal meetings and conferences Actively participates in discussions and meetings Communicates effectively with supervisor, others in the research group and external collaborators Excellent oral and written communication skills
3. Input into the administrative and management functions of the research group, including supervision of staff and students	Contributes to and leads research-based grant and fellowship applications Recruits and supervises students Provides help and effective leadership to research team members
4. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues	Develops an excellent working relationship with supervisor, others in the research group, external collaborators and the broader research community. Proactively pursues relevant collaborations and manages these relationships effectively to reach shared goals Willingness to help others in the group as required

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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.