Research Assistant - Bowtell 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
Research Assistant, Bowtell Laboratory
- Employment Type: 12-month fixed-term, full-time position
- Hours: 80 Hours per Fortnight with monthly ADO's
- Salary: $82,820.90 to $115,527.48 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience
About the team
The Bowtell Laboratory is a leading Australian human cancer genomics group and a major contributor to ovarian cancer research internationally. This role will help facilitate experiments directly related to a number of exciting investigator-initiated research grants looking into the genomic and immune features associated with long-term survival in high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
For more information on recent publications and projects currently running in the Bowtell lab see: https://www.petermac.org/research/research-programs-and-labs/cancer-biology-and-therapeutics-program/david-bowtell-lab.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Research Assistant who will play a critical role in facilitating research projects in the laboratory and carrying out a broad range of cellular and molecular biology techniques, including cell culture, immunohistochemistry, image analysis, nucleic acid extraction/sequencing, PCR and in vitro growth assays.
The individual will work closely with researchers and clinicians within the Bowtell Laboratory and collaborate with other national and international teams to help facilitate joint initiatives.
Remuneration as per Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021-2026. RESEARCH ASST LEVEL 2 (1RA2): 82,820.90 (Full Time equivalent – to be prorated for Part Time) – SNR RESEARCH ASST LEVEL 2 (1RA10): 115,527.48 (full-time equivalent - to be prorated for Part Time) dependent on candidate experience and qualifications. To be discussed with Hiring Manager.
About you
The successful candidate should hold a BSc (Hons) or equivalent, have exceptional communication and time management skills, possess a high-level of attention to detail and be capable of working independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Technical precision whilst carrying out experiments is also critical. Previous cancer research experience and skills in handling patient derived biospecimens would be an advantage.
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 & 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, CV and response to the selection criteria (listed under 'Skills) 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: Dr Dale Garsed
Email: Dale.Garsed@petermac.org
Phone: 03 855 97108
Applications Close: 15 April 2026
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Position Summary
The Bowtell Laboratory is a leading Australian human cancer genomics group and a major contributor to ovarian cancer research internationally. This role will help facilitate experiments directly related to a number of exciting investigator-initiated research grants looking into the genomic and immune features associated with long-term survival in high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Research Assistant who will play a critical role in facilitating research projects in the laboratory and carrying out a broad range of cellular and molecular biology techniques, including cell culture, immunohistochemistry, image analysis, nucleic acid extraction/sequencing, PCR and in vitro growth assays.
The individual will work closely with researchers and clinicians within the Bowtell Laboratory and collaborate with other national and international teams to help facilitate joint initiatives. Exceptional communication, time management and attention to detail are a must. Technical precision whilst carrying out experiments is also critical.
Enterprise Agreement
Allied Health Professionals
Classification or Salary Range
Level A (1RA2 - 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
POSITION REPORTS TO
Direct: Professor David Bowtell, Dr Dale Garsed
Indirect: Professor Ben Hogan
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Internal:
- Supervisors: Professor David Bowtell, Dr Dale Garsed
- Members of the Bowtell Laboratory
- Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS) staff
- Other members of the Cancer Biology & Therapeutics Program
- Cluster 6 staff and students
- Research Core Facilities, including Molecular Genomics, the Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics and the Centre for Advanced Histology and Microscopy
- Cancer Research Division staff and students
- Other Peter Mac staff and students
External:
- Academic Collaborators
- Staff from other research institutes
- Suppliers
Skills
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential Requirements:
- BSc (Hons) or equivalent
- Experience with cell biology techniques including cell culture and conducting cell-based assays in vitro
- Experience with molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, immunohistochemistry
- Basic knowledge of principles of data interpretation including statistical analysis
- Proficiency with software including Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism and/or R
- Ability to work well in a team and independently
- High quality written and oral communication skills
- Flexibility and willingness to develop new skills
- High level organisational and time management skills
- Strong attention to detail and record keeping skills
Desirable Requirements
- Background in cancer research
- Background in immunology
- Experience in ex vivo human tissue slice/fragment models
- Experience in immune cell biology / functional assays
- Experience with handling patient derived biospecimens
- An understanding of the ethical issues and government guidelines relating to the use of human tissue samples for research
- Experience with large scale, multidisciplinary research studies
Key Accountabilities
| Key Accountabilities | Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators |
| 1. Conducts 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 |
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| 4. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues |
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| 5. Continuous Quality Improvement |
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| 6. Human Resource Management |
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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.