Research Assistant - Translational Prostate Cancer

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-month Fixed Term, Full Time role
•    Level A Equivalent [1RA2-1RA6 depending on qualifications & experience]
•    Attractive salary packaging options are available
 
About the role
This position requires a Research Assistant to support single-cell and spatial protein and transcriptomics bioinformatics for several clinical research projects that are focused on understanding the tumour immune microenvironment. 
This role will be required to work closely with lab researchers and clinicians to address research questions in the fields of melanoma, merkel cell carcinoma and prostate cancer research. This position presents an opportunity to analyse data derived from several unique, novel immunotherapy studies and clinical cohorts. This position will undertake research to optimise analysis methodologies and leverage existing knowledge and resources from other team members to streamline development and data processing. 

Key responsibilities include, but not limited to:
•    Working with lab and clinician researchers to support the design and implementation of new analysis and workflow solutions on a range of genomics and transcriptomics data, including single-cell RNA and spatial data including immune cell characterisation
•    Aid experimental design, analyse and interpret QC data of sequencing experiments
•    Optimise workflows and pipelines for routine data processing 
 
About you
You will have excellent oral and written communication skills with high level organisational skills, and a demonstrated capacity to establish and achieve goals.
 
You'll bring with you:
•    Successful completion of a Masters or PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Computer Science, Genetics or equivalent
•    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
•    High level organisational skills, with demonstrated capacity to establish and achieve goals
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•    Ability to work as part of a team
•    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 & 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 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:  [email protected]
 
Applications Close: 11:59PM Tuesday 24 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.