Research Assistant - Molecular Haematology
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 - Molecular Haematology
- 12-month fixed term, full time position
- 80 hours per fortnight with monthly ADOs
- $73,762.00 - $105,846.00 base + salary packaging + super + 5 weeks annual leave
About the role
This fixed term, full-time role will provide technical and analytical support to the research and development program of the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics.
Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Preparation of samples for analysis, including DNA/RNA/cfDNA extraction and quantitation
- Analysis of data associated with research activities in molecular haematology
- Contribution to manuscript preparation under guidance
- Providing molecular testing in molecular haematology by use of various techniques including PCR, QPCR, ddPCR, fragment length analysis and DNA sequencing including next generation sequencing
- General laboratory duties
About you
You will have excellent communication skills with a key attention to detail.
You'll bring with you:
- Diploma in medical laboratory science or equivalent
- Demonstrable ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to set up NGS 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
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 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: Associate Professor Piers Blombery
Contact Number: 03 8559 8424
Email: piers.blombery@petermac.org
Applications Close: 11:59pm Sunday 26 July 2026
Position Summary
To provide technical and analytical support to the research and development program of molecular haematology.
Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
• Preparation of samples for analysis, including DNA/RNA/cfDNA extraction and quantitation
• Analysis of data associated with research activities in molecular haematology
• Contribution to manuscript preparation under guidance
• Providing molecular testing in molecular haematology by use of various techniques including PCR, QPCR, ddPCR, fragment length analysis and DNA sequencing including next generation sequencing
• General laboratory duties
NOTE: The hours of this position are subject to change in line with our commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
This role will contribute to the University of Melbourne's partnership with international genomics company Illumina by collaborating with The Advanced Genomics Collaboration by jointly fostering the development of world-leading genomics research and innovation activities and to accelerate the translation of these innovation through to adoption in the healthcare system.
Enterprise Agreement
Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021 - 2025
Classification or Salary Range
1RA1-1RA8
Immunisation Risk Category
Immunisation Category A
Key Relationships
| Internal | • Lead Scientist, Molecular Haematology • Grade 3 NGS Scientist, Molecular Haematology • Principal Scientist, Molecular Pathology • Head of Molecular Haematology • Molecular Pathology staff |
| External | • External clients, suppliers and institutions |
Skills
| Essential Requirements | • Diploma in medical laboratory science or equivalent • Demonstrable skills in communication • Demonstrable ability to work in a multidisciplinary team • Good attention to detail • Ability to set up NGS assays |
| Desirable Requirements | • Prior experience working with DNA and RNA • Experience with one or more of PCR, QPCR, ddPCR, fragment length analysis and DNA sequencing, including next generation sequencing |
Key Accountabilities
| Key Accountabilities | Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators |
| 1. Contribute to research activities of molecular haematology | • Timely set up and coordination of NGS and other assays for research purposes • Analysis of data for research purposes • Development and optimisation of research assays and novel techniques for molecular haematology. |
| 2. Prepare DNA and RNA from samples | • Quality DNA and RNA prepared in accordance with procedure manuals for molecular haematology • DNA and RNA quantitated in accordance with procedure manuals for molecular haematology |
| 3. Handling of clinical trial and referred specimens | • All clinical trial and referred specimens are handled, processed and dispatched in accordance with protocols • Liaises effectively with trial coordinators and external laboratory staff • Correct use of clinical cost centres |
| 4. Perform molecular assays | • Performance of broad range of molecular assays in the area of molecular haematology under the supervision of a trained scientist including: PCR, QPCR, ddPCR, fragment length analysis and DNA sequencing including next generations sequencing |
5. Work practices are in accordance with the laboratory quality systems and procedures |
• Ensures that work practices are in accordance the laboratory quality systems and procedures at all times • Ensures that laboratory documentation is up to date at all times • Works cooperatively with the Quality Manager |
| 6. Recognises and reports any laboratory problems to senior scientific staff | • Liaises well with other staff members to ensure that all molecular pathology testing adheres to the relevant protocols • Seeks the advice of the senior scientific staff to solve any scientific and technical problems in the laboratory |
Key Accountabilities (Contd..)
| Key Accountabilities | Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators |
| 7. Quality assurance | • Participates where appropriate in internal and external QA programs • Promptly reports procedural breakdowns, errors and incidents by means of the non-conformance reporting system • Participates in educational activities including attendance at internal and external training courses, clinical and scientific meetings • Maintains and develops own specialised skills • Embraces skill extension, innovation and change |
| 8. Helps maintain external client base |
• Cooperates with and assists external clients |
| 9. Work as part of a team |
• Communicates and cooperates with co-workers to ensure work is completed within appropriate timeframes |
| 10. Conduct is ethical | • Acts in accordance with Institute ethical guidelines and those established by relevant bodies including NATA, NPAAC, RCPA • Patient confidentiality and privacy is protected |
| 11. Work is performed safely |
• Ensures that all work practices are safe and conform to Institute OH&S guidelines and standards. |
| 12. Professional approach to work | • Acts in accordance with Institute policy in all matters |
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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.