Research Assistant

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 POSITION WITH PETER MACCALLUM CANCER CENTRE 12-months Fixed-Term, Full-Time Position 80 Hours per fortnight with ADOs Level A  Academic position (1RA5-1RA10) An exceptional opportunity is available for an enthusiastic, motivated, and skilled research assistant to join a Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre spinout company, and the Immunotherapy Laboratory within the Cancer Immunology Research Program.
This unique role bridges industry and academia, providing the successful candidate with an exciting chance to gain valuable experience in both sectors, opening future career pathways in either direction.
Our team is dedicated to harnessing the immune system to fight cancer using innovative immunotherapeutic approaches.
In this project, the candidate will contribute to developing an integrated approach to cancer treatment involving adoptively transferred gene-modified T cells (CAR T cells) and bispecific antibodies.
The position offers a collaborative and dynamic environment, working alongside researchers and students from the Peter Mac Research Division.
Key Requirements: A relevant BSc (Hons) or PhD degree with research experience in immunology, particularly T cell biology and function.
Proficiency in cell culture and flow cytometry is essential.
Additional skills in mouse work and immunological assays are advantageous.
Self-motivated, eager to learn, with a friendly and enthusiastic disposition.
Excellent organizational and time management capabilities.
Strong skills in writing, verbal communication, and accurate experimental record-keeping.
What Makes This Position Special?
This role provides the rare opportunity to work at the intersection of industry innovation and academic research.
You'll gain invaluable experience in cutting-edge immunotherapy research while contributing to a fast-paced biotech environment.
This dual exposure will prepare you for diverse career paths, whether you choose to pursue academic research, industry leadership, or a blend of both in the future.
This position will be supervised by Dr. Clare Slaney, Associate Professor Michael Kershaw, and Professor Phil Darcy, leading experts in the field of cancer immunotherapy.
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: Dr Clare Slaney Email: ****** Applications Close: Friday, 3rd January, 2025 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Position Summary The position involves the study of immunotherapy of cancer.
More specifically, the research project will involve the production of gene-modified T cells and assessing their function in vitro and in mouse model systems.
This will be a 1 year position with possible extension.
Enterprise Agreement Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021 - 2025 Classification or Salary Range 1RA2 - 1RA10 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: •    Members of the research laboratories of the Cancer Immunology Research Program and other laboratories within Peter Mac External: •    Currus Biologics •    Researchers from other research centres   Education Skills Essential Requirements: •    Knowledge of immunology •    Experience in flow cytometry •    Cell culture experience •    Experience in immunological assays, including those to determine cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and cell proliferation •    Experience in experimental mouse techniques Desirable Requirements: •    Experience in microscopy and histological techniques •    Experience in molecular biology Certifications, Licenses & Registrations Key Accountabilities 1.
Performance objectives •    Careful and precise experimental technique •    Accurate analysis and interpretation of data •    Ability to follow and understand instructions •    Willingness to learn •    Ability to work with limited supervision and work within a group •    Careful, accurate and timely record keeping •    High level of integrity and ethics •    Hard working with high level work ethic 2.
Communication of research outcomes •    Ability to communicate effectively with others in the laboratory and the Research Division •    Participation in lab meetings •    Presentation of results to other members of the laboratory •    Excellent oral and written communication skills 3.
Foster a good working relationship with colleagues •    Development of a good working relationship with others in the laboratory and Research Division •    Ability to work in a team •    Willingness to help others in lab as required 4.
Continuous Quality Improvement.
Infection Control.
Adheres to the principles of Infection Control in accordance with Peter Mac policies and procedures.
Occupational Health & Safety.
Takes all reasonable steps to ensure a safe environment.
Understands emergency procedures and location of emergency equipment Privacy.
Adheres to the Peter Mac privacy policy •    Complies with Infection Control policies and procedures 100% of the time •    Completes incident reports 100% of the time and responds appropriately to OH&S incidents •    Attends Health & Safety training on emergency procedures annually and is capable of identifying emergency equipment in place •    Follows established procedures 5.
Human Resource Management Human Resources.
Takes all reasonable steps to prevent bullying, discrimination and harassment in the workplace Performance Development & Review.
Participates in and/or conducts annual performance development and review Recruitment & Selection.
Adheres to Peter Mac policy Performance Management.
Adheres to Peter Mac policy •    Complies with Peter Mac policies to maintain a safe work place •    Participates and/or conducts annual performance development and review on 100% of staff •    Follows established procedures •    Follows established procedures and guidelines 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 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.