Research Assistant - Mcarthur Lab

Date: 6 Feb 2025

Site: VCCC (Parkville)

Location:

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Unit: Mcarthur

Division: Cancer Research

Department: Laboratory Research

Enterprise Agreement: Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sect

Mcarthur

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 - Molecular Oncology Laboratory

10-month Fixed-Term, Full-Time position (with possibility of extension)
Level A Equivalent [1RA2-1RA6, depending on qualifications and experience]
$81,196.96 to $97,770.40 AUD p.a.

An excellent opportunity exists for an enthusiastic, motivated and skilled Research Assistant to join the Molecular Oncology (McArthur) laboratory. The Molecular Oncology laboratory is interested in understanding the impact of targeting oncogenic signalling in cancer on both the tumour cell and its microenvironment, with the aim to develop novel treatment strategies that are durable and prevent therapy resistance, specifically in melanoma.

The position requires a Research Assistant that has knowledge in molecular biology and cancer cell biology and with technical skills in tissue culture, biochemical assays and molecular biology. The person appointed to this position will assist in investigating the impact of targeting oncogenes in cancer, specifically in the treatment of melanoma. For more information on recent publications and projects currently running in the lab see: https://www.petermac.org/research/labs/grant-mcarthur

The ideal candidate will meet the following essential requirements:

BSc Hons with technical skills in molecular biology
Willingness to learn new techniques
Demonstrated capacity for independent research
Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
High level organisational, interpersonal and time management skills
High attention to detail

The ideal candidate may also display the following desirable skills:

Background in Cancer biology
Expertise in RNA biology, including preparing samples for RNA sequencing
Expertise in cell culture and maintenance of cell lines
Protein expression analysis by IHC, immunofluorescence and Western blotting
Experience in DNA cloning and PCR
Experience with CRISPR gene editing
Publication Record

Applicants must provide a cover letter, a resume and a separate document addressing all essential and desirable requirements.

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: Assoc Prof Karen Sheppard
Email: karen.sheppard@petermac.org

Applications Close: 28th February 2025

Position Summary

The position requires a Research Assistant skilled in molecular biology, cancer cell biology and a basic knowledge of immunology. The person appointed to this position will assist in investigating the impact of targeting oncogenes in cancer, specifically in the treatment of melanoma. Studies will involve using both cell line and mouse models. The successful candidate should hold a BSc (HONS) in molecular biology, cell signalling or immunology. A strong background in cancer research is also desirable. The person will be expected to conduct rigorous, valid and ethical research both independently and as part of the research team. For more information on recent publications and projects currently running in the Mol. Onc. laboratory see: https://www.petermac.org/research/labs/grant-mcarthur

Enterprise Agreement

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

Classification or Salary Range

Level A (1RA2-RA6) depending on experience

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Category B

Key Relationships

Internal	Supervisors: A/Prof Karen Sheppard Group Leader: Professor Grant McArthur Molecular Oncology (McArthur) Laboratory staff and students Cancer Therapeutics Program staff and students Cluster 7 staff and students Core Research facilities staff Other research staff and students Other Peter Mac staff and students
External	External collaborators Suppliers

Key Accountabilities

SKILLS:

Essential Requirements	BSc Hons with technical skills in molecular biology Willingness to learn new techniques Demonstrated capacity for independent research Ability to work both independently and as part of a team High level organisational, interpersonal and time management skills
Desirable Requirements	Background in Cancer biology Expertise in RNA biology, including preparing samples for RNA sequencing Expertise in cell culture and maintenance of cell lines Protein expression analysis by IHC, immunofluorescence and Western blotting Experience in DNA cloning and PCR Experience with CRISPR gene editing Publication Record

Key Accountabilities	Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators
1. Conducts rigorous, valid and ethical research both independently and as part of the laboratory team	Designs and carries out experiments that fulfil the aims of the projects Excellent technical skills and eye for detail Accurate analysis and interpretation of experiment results Willingness to learn Good knowledge of literature related to research area Ability to work independently Regular attendance at group and program meetings High level of integrity and ethics Completes tasks in a timely and efficient manner Excellent record-keeping skills Flexibility in supporting other lab staff as directed by supervisors
2. Communication of research outcomes	Regularly provides clear presentations and verbal updates to supervisors on research progress, including any technical challenges or errors encountered. Maintains and updates the Electronic Notebook daily and in real-time, ensuring accurate recording of experimental details and results. Presentation of research results at meetings, seminars and conferences Ability to communicate effectively with others in the laboratory and the Research Division Contributes to discussions, lab, cluster and program meetings Excellent oral and written communication skills
3. Supervision of Staff and Students	Provides help and regular feedback to staff and students Supervision of staff and students when appropriate
4. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues	Good working relationships with others both within the laboratory and within the institute Polite and respectful with others both within the laboratory and within the institute Ability to work in a team Willingness to help others in lab as required

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Peter Mac requires its staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this requirement.

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.