Research Assistant - Eckersley Maslin

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 (www.eckmaslab.com). 

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 3000 
•    Basic Salary Range: $77,734.36 to $89,992.97 AUD p.a.
•    Advertising from 05 February 2026 – 05 March 2026
 
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:  [email protected]
 
Applications Close: 11:59PM, Thursday 05 March 2026

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.

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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.