Research Assistant - Mark Dawson Lab

Your Role In Our Future

Research Assistant - Mark Dawson Lab

• 12-month fixed term, full time position - 80 hours per fortnight with monthly ADOs.
• Up to $77,734.00 (1RA1) - $115,527.00 (1RA10) per annum base (dependant on qualifications and experience) + salary packaging + super + 5 weeks annual leave.
• Parkville location, with multiple public transport options available.

About the role

Applicants are invited to join an exciting multi-discliplinary research program within the Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory led by Mark Dawson at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (www.thedawsonlab.com).

This position is an invitation to join an exciting research program focused on identifying novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in blood cancers. The project will utilise a broad range of cell and molecular biology, protein biochemistry and functional genomics approaches, including genetic screening strategies to identify factors that can be leveraged through proximity-dependent mechanisms to perturb cancer-associated cellular processes. These approaches will be used to uncover and characterise novel mechanisms of gene regulation and inform the development of new therapeutic strategies in acute leukaemia. This position is to provide technical and research support and conduct experimental work for a funded project.

The successful candidate will be integrated within a diverse research environment that houses a multidisciplinary group of scientists, clinicians and computational biologists working together to achieve improved outcomes for cancer patients.

Remuneration as per Allied Health Professionals EBA. Up to $77,734.00 (1RA1) - $115,527.00 (1RA10) per annum, (full-time equivalent - to be prorated for Part Time) dependent on candidate experience. To be discussed with Hiring Manager.

About you

You will have high quality written and oral communication skills, with excellent organizational and time management skills.

You'll bring with you:

• BSc (Honors) or equivalent
• Experience in cell, molecular biological and proteomic techniques and functional genomics
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Flexibility and ability to develop new skills

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 & ADOs
• 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 outlining their interest and experience and also provide their responses against the selection criteria (found in the Position Description under Essential and Desirable Requirements sections) 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 Managers: Dr. Elanor Wainwright and Dr. Jesse Balic

Email: Elanor.Wainwright@petermac.org or Jesse.Balic@petermac.org

Applications Close: 11.59pm Friday 2 October 2026.
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Position Summary

Applicants are invited to join an exciting multi-discliplinary research program within the Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory led by Mark Dawson at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne (www.thedawsonlab.com).

This position is an invitation to join an exciting research program focused on identifying novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in blood cancers. The project will utilise a broad range of cell and molecular biology, protein biochemistry and functional genomics approaches, including genetic screening strategies to identify factors that can be leveraged through proximity-dependent mechanisms to perturb cancer-associated cellular processes. These approaches will be used to uncover and characterise novel mechanisms of gene regulation and inform the development of new therapeutic strategies in acute leukaemia. This position is to provide technical and research support and conduct experimental work for a funded project.

The position requires a highly motivated and skilled scientist with a specific interest in cancer epigenetics. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct rigorous, valid and ethical research both independently and as part of a research team.

This role is based within the Collaborative Centre for Genomic Cancer Medicine, a joint venture of the University of Melbourne and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre seeking to improve the lives of people with cancer through equitable access to personalised treatment options and prevention strategies informed by the latest genomic tests and analysis. Learn more genomic-cancer-medicine.unimelb.edu.au.

The position will be initially for a fixed term of 12 months with the opportunity to extend. Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Enterprise Agreement

Allied Health Professionals 2021-2026.

Classification or Salary Range

1RA4-1RA10

Immunisation Risk Category

Category B

Key Relationships

Internal

• Group Leader: Professor Mark Dawson
• Deputy Lead: Dr. Elanor Wainwright
• Dawson Laboratory staff and students
• Cancer Therapeutics Program staff and students
• Cluster 1 staff and students
• Core Research facilities staff
• Other research staff and students
• Other Peter Mac staff and students
• University of Melbourne: The Collaborative Centre for Genomic Cancer Medicine (CCGCM) staff

External

• External research collaborators
• Industry partners
• Staff from other research institutions

Skills

Essential

• BSc (Honors) or equivalent
• Experience in cell, molecular biological and proteomic techniques and functional genomics
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Flexibility and ability to develop new skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• High quality written and oral communication skills

Desirable

• Cell Culture: Gene editing
• Molecular Techniques: Functional genomics/genetic screens
• Protein Work: Western Blotting, Mass Spec, Immuniprecipitation

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators 1. Generation of high quality, reproducible data through conduction of valid and ethical research

• Carry out experiments and analyse data that fulfils the aims of the project
• 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
• Careful, accurate and timely record keeping
• High level of integrity and ethics

2. Communication of research outcomes

• Ability to communicate effectively with others in the laboratory and the Research Division
• Participate 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 the laboratory as required

4. Human Resource Management

• Takes all reasonable steps to prevent bullying, discriminations and harassment in the workplace
• Participates in and/or conducts annual performance development and review on 100% of staff
• Complies with peter Mac policies to maintain a safe work place
• Follows established procedures and guidelines

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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.