Research Assistant - Genotyping

Date:  15 Jul 2025
Site:  VCCC (Parkville)
Location: 

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company:  Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Unit:  Core Genotyping
Division:  Cancer Research
Department:  Laboratory Research
Enterprise Agreement:  Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sect
Core Genotyping

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 - Genotyping

 

1x Full time ongoing position (1.0 EFT - 80 hrs/fortnight) and 1x Part time ongoing position (0.5 EFT - 38 hrs/fortnight)

 

  • Full time role - Level A Equivalent - Pay scale level - [1RA2-1RA7, depending on experience]
  • Part time role - Level A Equivalent - Pay scale level - [1RA2]
     

Genotyping Core is currently seeking one full time and one part time (0.5 EFT) ongoing role. The research assistant will genotype genetically modified samples and perform associated laboratory tasks. Tasks will include: DNA extraction, conventional and real time PCR, genotyping by flow cytometry, gel and capillary electrophoresis, and analysis, interpretation and reporting of results and general laboratory housekeeping tasks as required.

 

The role will also include assay development and optimisation, training peers and administration tasks, and requires the capability to work both co-operatively and independently within a small team.

 

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 and purchased leave options

 

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:  Jade Cooke

Email:  jade.cooke@petermac.org

 

Applications Close: 30 July 2025

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Position Summary

The research assistant will genotype genetically modified samples and perform associated laboratory tasks. Tasks will include: DNA extraction, conventional and real time PCR, genotyping by flow cytometry, gel and capillary electrophoresis, and analysis, interpretation and reporting of results and general laboratory housekeeping tasks as required.

The role will also include assay development and optimisation, training peers and administration tasks, and requires the capability to work both co-operatively and independently within a small team.

Enterprise Agreement

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

Classification or Salary Range

1RA2-1RA10 (dependent on experience)

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Category C

Key Relationships

Internal
  • Genotyping team members
  • Animal Facility Staff
  • General Manager Laboratory Research
  • Other Peter Mac staff and students
External
  • Collaborators

Education

Skills

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

  • Bachelor of Science (Hons) (or equivalent experience) in biological/biomedical sciences
  • Experience in PCR (conventional and real time methods) and molecular biology techniques
  • An understanding of genotyping
  • Experience working in a PC2 laboratory
  • Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and independently with limited supervision
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to analyse and interpret results
  • Demonstrated ability to follow protocols and troubleshoot as required

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

  • Experience in flow cytometry including interpretation of results
  • Experience in capillary electrophoresis including interpretation of results
  • Experience with liquid handling automation
  • Experience in optimisation of procedures
  • Experience with software packages including Tick@lab, iLab, GeneMapper, MS suite including Teams, Sharepoint and Excel
  • An understanding of cell culture and cell line authentication

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators

1. Laboratory support

  • Preparation of agarose gels
  • Preparation of reagents as required
  • Ordering of consumables
  • General laboratory housekeeping tasks as required
2. Conduct tasks in a timely manner
  • Accurately perform PCR and/or flow cytometry and interpret subsequent results
  • Accurate recording of PCR and/or flow cytometry results in electronic formats (Excel, Tick@Lab, iLab)
  • Contribute to development and optimisation of protocols as required
  • Timely communication of results to stakeholders
  • Ensure traceability records are maintained
4. Fosters a good working relationship with colleagues
  • Good working relationships within the team and within the institute
  • Clear communications with all stakeholders including researchers, animal house staff, Group Leaders and within the team.
  • Willingness to help others in the lab as required or as directed

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

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.