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 - Eckersley-Maslin Laboratory
Fixed Term, Full Time Role
• 80 hours per fortnight with monthly ADO's
• Level A Equivalent [1RA1-1RA4 depending on experience]
• Attractive salary packaging options are available
About the role
We are seeking a Research Assistant to support ongoing research in the Eckersley-Maslin Laboratory at Peter Mac. Our laboratory incorporates a diverse team of researchers dedicated to studying the regulation and dynamics of chromatin plasticity in development and cancer models. More information on the research performed in the Eckersley-Maslin laboratory can be found on our website (

).
This position is responsible for:
• Performing cell culture research activities including culturing cancer cell lines, maintaining communal stocks, viral production and transduction, generating genetically engineered cell lines and validating those lines.
• Supporting researchers with CRISPR-based and other types of high-throughput screens.
• Assistance with molecular biology and biochemical work including molecular cloning, plasmid purifications, PCR, Western Blotting and preparing samples for mass spectrometry.
• Keeping high quality up to date records of experimental protocols, observations and results
• General laboratory duties including ordering of reagents, monitoring lab supplies, and maintaining reagent databases.
• Developing and maintaining working relationships with other team members, other managers and research support staff, core facility staff and external providers.
The successful candidate will have a BSc (Hons) or equivalent, with a minimum of 1 or 2 years laboratory experience in molecular and/or cell biology and a strong interest in chromatin biology. The applicant must have strong scientific foundations in cancer cell and molecular biology, with hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture systems and molecular biology techniques. Further experience with flow cytometry or CRISPR screening is desirable. The role will provide support for multiple team members on their projects and requires excellent organisation, time management, record keeping and interpersonal skills.
The successful candidate must be adaptable with high attention to detail, and willing to learn and carryout complex experimental protocols under the guidance of current lab members. The role will also involve some lab administration such as ordering reagents, managing stocks and consumables. Due to the nature of the work, the successful candidate will be required to be on site most workdays. The role would suit a recent (or soon to be) honours or masters graduate keen to develop their scientific skill sets whilst supporting ongoing research projects.
This position is initially for 2 year Full time (1.0 EFT) to start within 3 months of close of applications and an option for extension beyond the fixed term. Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. We encourage people of all minority and underrepresented backgrounds to apply. This position is open to Australian and Permanent Resident applicants.
This position is:
• 2-years Fixed Term, Full Time
• Onsite presence essential at 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC ****
• Basic Salary Range: $77,****** to $89,****** AUD p.a.
• Advertising from
05 February ********* March ****
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 & monthly ADO's
• 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 must outline their motivation in applying for this position and also address all essential criteria as listed under experience / qualifications in the position description in their cover letter.
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:
Melanie Eckersley-Maslin
Email:
******
Applications Close: 11:59PM, Thursday 05 March ****
Please note, appplications will be reviewed as they come in and interviews will be conducted throughout the process. As a result, the ad may be removed early so please do not wait to submit your applications.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Position Summary
We are seeking a Full Time (1.0 EFT) Research Assistant to support ongoing research in the Eckersley-Maslin Laboratory at Peter Mac. Our laboratory incorporates a diverse team of researchers dedicated to studying the regulation and dynamics of chromatin plasticity in development and cancer models. More information on the research performed in the Eckersley-Maslin laboratory can be found on our website (

).
The successful candidate will have a BSc (Hons) or equivalent, with a minimum of 1-2 yearS laboratory experience in molecular and/or cell biology and a strong interest in chromatin biology. The applicant must have strong scientific foundations in cancer cell and molecular biology, with hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture systems and molecular biology techniques. Further experience with flow cytometry or CRISPR screening is desirable. The role will provide support for multiple team members on their projects and requires excellent organisation, time management, record keeping and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate must be adaptable with high attention to detail, and willing to learn and carryout complex experimental protocols under the guidance of current lab members. The role will also involve some lab administration such as ordering reagents, managing stocks and consumables. Due to the nature of the work, the successful candidate will be required to be on site most workdays. The role would suit a recent (or soon to be) honours or masters graduate keen to develop their scientific skill sets whilst supporting ongoing research projects.
The main duties of the role include, but are not limited to:
• Performing cell culture research activities including culturing cancer cell lines, maintaining communal stocks, viral production and transduction, generating genetically engineered cell lines and validating those lines.
• Supporting researchers with CRISPR-based and other types of high-throughput screens.
• Assistance with molecular biology and biochemical work including molecular cloning, plasmid purifications, PCR, Western Blotting and preparing samples for mass spectrometry.
• Keeping high quality up to date records of experimental protocols, observations and results
• General laboratory duties including ordering of reagents, monitoring lab supplies, and maintaining reagent databases.
• Developing and maintaining working relationships with other team members, other managers and research support staff, core facility staff and external providers.
Enterprise Agreement
Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement ***********
Classification or Salary Range
1RA2-1RA4 depending on experience
Immunisation Risk Category
Immunisation Category C
Key Relationships
Internal
Dr Melanie Eckersley-Maslin
Members of the Eckersley-Maslin lab and research cluster 4
Staff members of research core facilities
Cancer research division staff and students
External
Staff and students from other research institutes
External contractors and sales representatives
Skills
Essential requirements




Bachelor of Science with Honours (or equivalent experience) in cell biology or molecular biology with strong scientific foundations in chromatin biology and gene regulation.
At least 1 year laboratory experience in cell biology techniques including culture of mammalian cell lines, generating genetically engineered cell lines, cell transduction and/or transfection.
Demonstrated experience in biochemistry and/or molecular biology techniques such as Western Blotting, nucleic acid extractions, PCR, molecular cloning or protein purification.
Excellent time management and organisational skills, with demonstrated capacity to plan and perform daily and weekly tasks independently to achieve set goals in a timely manner.
Excellent record keeping of experimental protocols, observations and data, with high attention to detail.
Highly motivated with the flexibility and ability to support multiple researchers and projects in a team environment.
Excellent written and spoken communication skills with others with a diverse range of roles and backgrounds.
Proficiency with software including Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and GraphPad Prism (or equivalent).
Desireable requirements
Experience with flow cytometry, virus production and transduction of mammalian cells.
Strong understanding and/or experience with CRISPR screening technologies.
Competence in molecular biology techniques including chromatin assays (e.g. ChIP-seq or CUT&Run;) or next-generation library preparation.
Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot experimental protocols.
Key Accountabilities
Key Accountabilities
Demonstrated By/Key Performance Indicators
1. Conduct rigorous, high quality and ethical research
Competently and efficiently carry out experiments as described in a timely manner
Excellent technical skills and eye for detail
Accurate and timely recording, analysis and interpretation of experiment results.
Ability to work independently, troubleshoot and identify areas where extra assistance is required
Well developed organizational skills and ability to plan experiments and desk work to achieve weekly goals and milestones
Willingness and ability to readily learn new techniques
Ability to assist as directed in research experiments with other research personnel
High level of research integrity and ethics
completes tasks in a timely and efficient manner
Flexibility and adaptability in having different tasks each week
2. Communication of research outcomes
Active participation in discussions, lab and program meetings
Presentation of research results in small group settings
Excellent oral and written communication skills including detailed record keeping of experimental work, protocols and associated data
Ability to effectively communicate (both verbally and written) with others in the laboratory and research division
3. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues
Development of good working relationships with others both within the laboratory, the Research Division, wider Peter Mac community and externally
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a research team
Shows initiative in identifying and undertaking small tasks to benefit the wider research group
Help with general laboratory maintenance and undertaking fair share of laboratory chores
Assistance to others in the lab as needed
4. Input into the administrative and management functions of the laboratory
Performs regular stock-checks and orders common reagents and supplies.
Provides point of contact and maintains positive relationship with external contractors and sales representatives
Assists with maintaining lab equipment including regular performance checks, calibrations and/or maintenance
Maintaining reagent databases and cataloguing inventory including chemical inventory
Make up stock solutions and aliquoting reagents for general use
Provides help and regular feedback to lab staff and students
Organisation of lab events including meetings, lab retreat and social activities
Assistance with lab administration including ethics applications, grant proposals, standardising protocols
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.

📌 Research Assistant - Eckersley Maslin (Melbourne)
🏢 Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
📍 Melbourne