RLSS - Medical Laboratory Technician - Core Services

Req ID:  7579
Date:  23 Jul 2026
Site:  VCCC (Parkville)
Location: 

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company:  Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Unit:  Core Research Support Services
Division:  Cancer Research
Department:  Laboratory Research
Enterprise Agreement: 
Core Research Support Services

Your Role In Our Future

Medical Laboratory Technician - Research Laboratory Support Services (RLSS) – Core Services 

  • Ongoing, Part Time position - 45.6 hours per fortnight
  • Up to $59,207.20 (BU1) – $76,346.40 (BU8) aud base salary per annum - depending on experience. Full-time equivalent pro-rated for Part-time.
  • Attractive salary packaging offers 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

A part-time (Monday, Thursday, Friday, day shift, 0.6 EFT) position for a Medical Laboratory Technician is available in Research Laboratory Support Services within Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. There is some flexibility to negotiate shift starting time. Extra shifts are available to cover leave if desired.

 

Main functions of the role includes but is not limited to:

  • Collecting used reusable laboratory ware from the Research and Pathology laboratory areas and prepare, sterilise and return it.
  • Prepare, sterilise and stock tissue culture media, bacterial media, agar plates, buffers and other solutions for the Cancer Research Division.

 

About you

You will be able to accurately and diligently follow recipes / lab methods, written and verbal instructions, whilst working autonomously and effectively whilst dealing with multiple time sensitive tasks.

 

You'll bring with you:

  • Year 11 chemistry and/or biology or equivalent experience
  • Excellent aseptic / sterile technique
  • Ability to diligently prevent cross-contamination
  • Ability to safely use steam sterilisers (autoclaves)
  • Ability to safely lift 8-12 kg to transfer to trolleys / work areas
  • Ability to walk 8,000 - 15,000 steps per day
  • Ability to safely push and manoeuvre loaded trolleys
  • Ability to prepare / handwash multiple bottles prior to loading in lab washer

 

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

 

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 provide a CV including relevant skills and experience and a cover letter briefly outlining your suitability and particular interest in applying for this part time role 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. Queries about the role may be directed to the contact information below for a confidential discussion – please do not email applications.

 

Hiring Manager: Lara Sekhon

Email: lara.sekhon@petermac.org

 

Applications Close: 11.59pm Thurdsay 23 July 2026.

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Position Summary

Research Laboratory Support Services – RLSS
Staff will be specifically assigned to work in one or more of the three areas within RLSS and are expected to assist in all areas when required.

The main function of the role in the Media Kitchen section of RLSS is to prepare, sterilise and stock tissue culture media, bacterial media, agar plates, buffers and other solutions for the Cancer Research Division.
•    Prepare and filter sterilise tissue culture media and buffers
•    Prepare and steam sterilise bacterial media and other solutions
•    Prepare bulk sterile bacterial agar dishes and tubes
•    Prepare non-sterile solutions
•    Prepare, cook and dispense drosophila media 
•    Maintain media and buffer stock levels within the Media storerooms/stock areas across four levels including monitoring expiry dates and stock rotation
•    Maintain and prepare standing order media, buffer and aliquots within the labs
•    Maintain daily batch records
•    Order stocks using FMIS Oracle iProcurement and iLab
•    Assess, troubleshoot and prepare special requests for media and solutions
•    Maintain Quality Control measures including but not limited to osmolarity testing, pH adjustments, sterility testing, random endotoxin testing
•    Maintain equipment

The main function of the role in the Laboratory Services section of RLSS is to collect used reusable laboratory ware from the Research and Pathology laboratory areas and prepare, sterilise and return it
•    Wash reusable laboratory ware
•    Prepare laboratory ware for sterilising and delivery
•    Operate lab washers, steam sterilisers (autoclaves) and dry heat sterilisers (ovens)
•    Deliver labware to the labs across six floors
•    Maintain equipment, check and process records
•    Manage pipette calibration servicing via external vendor
•    Maintain Quality Control measures including but not limited to checking process graphs, chemical indicators for temperature and/or time, data logger for temperature and time, monthly spore test processing and incubation
•    Manage personal linen laundering via external vendor

The main function of the role in the Research Store section of RLSS is to maintain commonly used stocks for the Cancer Research Division in a central location, including inventory tasks in iLab and Oracle.
•    Order stocks using FMIS Oracle iProcurement
•    Maintain inventory using the iLab system
•    Restock shelves in the Research Store
•    Refill liquid nitrogen dewars for the Cancer Research Division across three floors
•    Maintain safety stocks for the Cancer Research Division across four floors
•    Manage Dry Ice orders/deliveries across four floors
•    Monitor linen stocks across four floors and feedback any issues and additional orders to external vendor

 

Position Reports to:

Direct:

Research Laboratory Support Services Manager
Research Laboratory Support Services 2iC
Research Store Manager

Professional:   

General Manager Lab Research

Enterprise Agreement

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

Classification or Salary Range

BU1 - BU8

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Risk Category C

Key Relationships

Internal & External: All Peter Mac Staff, including - 

INTERNAL:

  • All PeterMac staff, in particular:
    •    Research Laboratory Support Services Core Facility team
    •    Laboratory and Facility Management team
    •    Research staff and students
    •    Pathology staff
    •    Purchasing team
    •    Loading dock team
    •    Honeywell building management team

 

EXTERNAL:

•    Scientific suppliers
•    Equipment service technicians
•    VCCC Building partner Research staff

 

Skills

Essential Requirements

•    Experience working effectively and harmoniously within a small team (2-3 people)
•    Demonstrated ability to accurately and diligently follow recipes / lab methods, written and verbal instructions
•    Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively whilst dealing with multiple time sensitive tasks
•    Ability to safely manage the physical activity levels required within the role: lifting to transfer 8-12 kg, 10,000-15,000 steps per day, pushing loaded trolleys, bulk handwashing of labware
•    Year 11 chemistry and/or biology or equivalent experience
•    Experience in the use of aseptic / sterile technique
•    Experience in prevention of cross-contamination
•    Experience in the use of sterilisers

 

 

Desirable Requirements

•    Experience or exposure to working within a laboratory setting
•    Experience in the use of laboratory washers, peristaltic pump, laminar flow hood, osmometer, pH meter, induction stove, micropipette
•    Experience stocking shelves in a store/warehouse (if assigned to Research Store)
•    Experience placing orders using FMIS Oracle iProcurement
•    Exposure to iLab
•    Certificate III in Laboratory Skills / practical laboratory skills
•    Certificate III in Sterilisation Services / practical experience using sterilisers
•    Certificate III in Logistics / practical warehousing skills (if assigned to Research Store)
•    Experience handling liquid nitrogen

 

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities Demonstrated By / Key Performance Indicators
1. Teamwork

•    Demonstrable ability to work effectively and harmoniously within a small and extended team environment 
•    Provide a valuable contribution to the prioritisation, production and delivery of media, solutions, treated laboratory ware and maintaining stocks of consumable to meet the requirements of the Cancer Research Division, Pathology Department and VCCC partners
•    Willingness to perform / contribute to the Research Laboratory Support Services Core Facility tasks and administrative duties normally performed by other team members in response to changing workloads and to cover leave.

 

2. Customer Service

•    Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels
•    Demonstrated ability to work quickly and efficiently to resolve problems
•    Demonstrated ability to conduct work in alignment with Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre values
•    Consistent demonstration of a commitment to improve services

 

3. Quality Assurance

•    Completes all quality assurance tasks successfully and accurately including: 
-    Check graphs and cycle data for equipment used prior to load release
-    Check pass/fail sterility indicators
-    Periodic load testing in sterilisers
-    Assess laboratory items as safe to collect for processing
-    Assess laboratory items as successfully cleaned by equipment
-    pH adjustments (if assigned to Media Kitchen)
-    Osmolality testing (if assigned to Media Kitchen)
-    Liquid sterility testing (if assigned to Media Kitchen)
-    Checking receipted goods for damage

 

4. Workflow Organisation

•    Demonstrated ability to assess daily workload and prioritise effectively to complete required tasks in conjunction with other team members
•    Demonstrated ability to keep accurate and timely records

 

5. Media and Solution Preparation •    Accurate completion of procedures in methods / recipe book
•    Ability to maintain aseptic technique when sterilising liquids and aliquoting sterile solutions
•    Demonstrated ability to safely and effectively use all equipment within the Research Laboratory Support Services Core Facility
•    Demonstrated commitment to conscientiously provide quality service and prepare error-free products

 

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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.