Research Assistant (Data Analyst) - VCFG

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

Research Assistant in Image and Data Analysis at VCFG

• 12 month Fixed-term, Full-time position (parental leave replacement)
• Level A, 1RA2 - 1RA10 (depending on qualifications and experience)

The Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics (VCFG) is a core technology platform embedded within the Peter Mac Cancer Research Division and serves as a national technological hub that enables innovative research in high throughput screening strategies, including CRISPR, compound, and RNAi methodologies.

We are seeking a skilled Research Assistant to augment our data and image analysis capabilities within the VCFG team. This role offers the opportunity to engage in state-of-the-art research operations, encompassing both 2D and 3D screening environments, and to work alongside a dedicated team of seasoned Research Officers and Assistants. Your primary focus will be to strengthen our image and data analysis infrastructure.

You will ideally have an Honours or Masters degree and up to 6 years’ experience, with a proactive learning attitude, strong trouble shooting skills, clear written and oral communication skills and most importantly, a willingness to learn and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team.

This role is ideal for an individual who loves working with data, is keen to develop in a cutting-edge scientific environment, and who brings a sense of enthusiasm and dedication to their work.

If you're eager to contribute to a nationally recognized service of excellence, we'd love to hear from you. This is a fixed-term full-time for 12 months (parental leave replacement). Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience - Level A (1RA2 - 1RA10).

Early applications are encouraged, as we will be interviewing candidates on a rolling basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to projects involving large high-throughput screens with compounds, siRNA and CRISPR, as well as smaller projects in 2D and 3D (e.g. synergy, cell cycle analyses, patient-derived organoids, etc).
• Data analysis using R/Python, including the interpretation of outcomes of analyses, and writing of QC reports.
• Image analysis using CellProfiler, CellPose, and Cellomics analysis software.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality research outputs.

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 & monthly 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 to this role should provide a covering letter, resume and response to selection criteria 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 (via email in the first instance) using the information below for a confidential discussion.

Hiring Manager: Professor Kaylene Simpson

Email: kaylene.simpson@petermac.org

Applications Close: 18 January 2026
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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.