Research Assistant - Darcy Lab
MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000
Your Role In Our Future
Research Assistant - Slaney/Darcy Laboratory
- 12 months Fixed-Term, Full-Time position - 80 hours per fortnight with monthly ADOs.
- Up to $77,734.00 (1RA1) - $115,527.00 (1RA10) base salary per annum (depending on skills and qualifications)
- Parkville location, with multiple transport options at our doorstep.
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.
We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic Research Assistant to join the Slaney / Darcy Laboratory.
The position involves the study of immunotherapy of cancer. More specifically, the research project will involve the production of gene-modified T cells and assessing their function in vitro and in mouse model systems. The successful candidate will have experience in flow cytometry, cell culture and various immunolgical assays.
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, 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 using the information below for a confidential discussion.
Hiring Manager: Clare Slaney and Phil Darcy
Email: clare.slaney@petermac.org
Applications Close: 11.59pm Wednesday 12 August 2026.
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Position Summary
The position involves the study of immunotherapy of cancer. More specifically, the research project will involve the production of gene-modified T cells and assessing their function in vitro and in mouse model systems. In this position the applicant will be trained in a variety of scientific techniques including bioinformatics analysis, CRISPR gene editing and a range of in vivo functional assays. At the completion of this research training position the applicant will also have developed and advanced their skills and knowledge in the field of cancer immunotherapy.
Enterprise Agreement
Classification or Salary Range
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
Internal:
• Members of the research laboratories of the Cancer Immunology Research Program and other laboratories within Peter Mac
External:
• Currus Biologics
• Researchers from other research centres
Skills
Essential Requirements:
• Knowledge of immunology
• Experience in flow cytometry
• Cell culture experience
• Experience in immunological assays, including those to determine cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and cell proliferation
• Experience in experimental mouse techniques
Desirable Requirements:
• Experience in microscopy and histological techniques
• Experience in molecular biology
Key Accountabilities
| 1. Performance objectives | • Careful and precise experimental technique • Accurate analysis and interpretation of data • Ability to follow and understand instructions • Willingness to learn • Ability to work with limited supervision and work within a group • Careful, accurate and timely record keeping • High level of integrity and ethics • Hard working with high level work ethic |
| 2. Communication of research outcomes | • Ability to communicate effectively with others in the laboratory and the Research Division • Participation in lab meetings • Presentation of results to other members of the laboratory • Excellent oral and written communication skills |
| 3. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues | • Development of a good working relationship with others in the laboratory and Research Division • Ability to work in a team • Willingness to help others in lab as required |
| 4. Continuous Quality Improvement. Infection Control. Adheres to the principles of Infection Control in accordance with Peter Mac policies and procedures. Occupational Health & Safety. Takes all reasonable steps to ensure a safe environment. Understands emergency procedures and location of emergency equipment Privacy. Adheres to the Peter Mac privacy policy |
• Complies with Infection Control policies and procedures 100% of the time • Completes incident reports 100% of the time and responds appropriately to OH&S incidents • Attends Health & Safety training on emergency procedures annually and is capable of identifying emergency equipment in place • Follows established procedures |
| 5. Human Resource Management Human Resources. Takes all reasonable steps to prevent bullying, discrimination and harassment in the workplace Performance Development & Review. Participates in and/or conducts annual performance development and review Recruitment & Selection. Adheres to Peter Mac policy Performance Management. Adheres to Peter Mac policy |
• Complies with Peter Mac policies to maintain a safe work place • Participates and/or conducts annual performance development and review on 100% of staff • Follows established procedures • Follows established procedures and guidelines |
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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.