Research Assistant - Translational Prostate Cancer
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 - Translational Prostate Cancer
- 12-months fixed term, part or full time role (parental leave backfill)
- From 0.6 EFT to 1.0 EFT depending on the ideal candidate
- Level A Equivalent [1RA2-1RA6, depending on qualifications & experience]
About the role
The position will provide research support within the laboratory and will assume responsibility for a variety of research projects within the prostate cancer research group.
The role responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Coordinating clinical trial biospecimen processing and shipments – including acquisition of samples from external parties or clinical trial sites, retrieval of archival samples, biospecimen banking/storage
- Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry staining and analysis, DNA/RNA extractions, and sample submissions to core facilities or third parties as required
- Liaising with clinical trial staff, clinician scientists and other parties to progress the translational aims of the clinical trials
- Facilitate ordering, approvals and invoicing for trial-related expenses
- Assist with laboratory requirements and supplies for clinical trials
- Assist with providing progress updates and reports on experimental progress for clinical trial principal investigators and other parties
- Documentation, database maintenance and data entry as required
About you
The successful candidate will have high level organisational skills, with a demonstrated capacity to establish and achieve goals. They will also have excellent oral and written communication skills whilst demonstrating an ability to work as part of a team.
You'll bring with you:
- Successful completion of Bachelor’s Degree in Medical/Laboratory Science or related field or equivalent qualifications or research experience
- Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience in a similar role
- Experience in biospecimen processing
- Experience in biospecimen-based translational research projects including: DNA/RNA-based methods
- Able to attend and contribute at laboratory meetings, seminars and journal club meetings as required
- To be able to work after hours or on weekends when the research demands so dictates
- A demonstrated capacity to work in a collegiate manner with other staff in the workplace
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
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: Shahneen Sandhu
Email: shahneen.sandhu@petermac.org
Applications Close: 3 September 2025
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Position Summary
The position will provide research support within the laboratory and will assume responsibility for a variety of research projects within the prostate cancer research group.
The role responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- coordinating clinical trial biospecimen processing and shipments – including acquisition of samples from external parties or clinical trial sites, retrieval of archival samples, biospecimen banking/storage
- immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry staining and analysis, DNA/RNA extractions, and sample submissions to core facilities or third parties as required
liaising with clinical trial staff, clinician scientists and other parties to progress the translational aims of the clinical trials - facilitate ordering, approvals and invoicing for trial-related expenses
- assist with laboratory requirements and supplies for clinical trials
- assist with providing progress updates and reports on experimental progress for clinical trial principal investigators and other parties
- documentation, database maintenance and data entry as required
Enterprise Agreement
Classification or Salary Range
Level A (1RA2 - 1RA6) depending on experience
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 |
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| External |
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Skills
| Essential Requirements |
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| Desirable Requirements |
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Key Accountabilities
| Key Accountabilities | Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators |
| 1. Generation of high quality, reproducible data through the conduction of valid and ethical research |
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| 2. Communication of research outcomes |
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| 3. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues |
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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.