Research Assistant - Tonkin-Hill Lab

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 - Tonkin-Hill Lab
•    2-Year Fixed Term, Full time role
•    80 hours per fortnight with monthly ADO's
•    Level A Equivalent [1RA1-1RA10, depending on experience]
•    Attractive salary packaging options are available
 
About the role
We are seeking a talented research assistant or early postdoctoral scientist to work within the Computational Microbiology (Tonkin-Hill) Research Laboratory.
 
The successful applicant will be part of a small team developing advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to analyse massive metagenomic sequencing datasets to identify microbial features associated with human diseases including Cancer, IBD and antibiotic resistance infections.
 
About you
You will have excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Skills required include a Masters in a quantitative field such as Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, or Computational Biology. The ideal candidate will have strong programming skills. Familiarity with statistics and microbiology is a plus. 
 
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 to this role should provide a cover letter and resume 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 Gerry Tonkin-Hill
Email: [email protected]
 
Applications Close: 11:59PM, Sunday 22 February 2026

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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.