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
Postdoctoral Researcher
* 80 hours per fortnight with monthly ADOs
* Attractive salary packaging options are available
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 ), focusing on the development of adaptive processes involved in therapeutic resistance in lung cancer.
This specific project will utilise a broad range of cell and molecular biology and chromatin-based assays to develop novel therapeutic strategies in lung cancer.
This position is responsible for:
* Carrying out experiments and analysing data that fulfills the aims of the project
* Accurate analysis and interpretation of data
* Careful, accurate and timely record keeping with a high level of integrity and ethics
* Communication of research outcomes through presentation of results and participation in lab meetings
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct rigorous, valid and ethical research both independently and as part of a research team.
The position will be initially for a fixed term of 24 months with the opportunity to extend. Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
This position is:
* 24-months fixed-term, full-time
* Onsite presence essential at 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
* Basic Salary Range: $99,725.81 to $115,527.48 AUD
* Advertising from 11 December 2025 to 11 January 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 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 Manager: Professor Mark Dawson
Email:
Applications Close: 11:59 PM 11 January 2026
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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 ).
This position is an invitation to join an exciting research program focusing on the development of adaptive processes involved in therapeutic resistance in lung cancer. This specific project will utilise a broad range of cell and molecular biology and chromatin-based assays to develop novel therapeutic strategies in lung cancer. The position requires a highly motivated and skilled scientist with a specific interest in cancer epigenetics. The candidate should be hightly skilled in various molecular, cell biology and next gen sequencing approaches. Importantly, the successful candidate will be capable of working in an independent manner within an existing team.
Enterprise Agreement
Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement
Classification or Salary Range
RA6 – RA10
Immunisation Risk Category
Immunisation Category B
Key Relationships
Internal
* Group Leader: Professor Mark Dawson
* 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
* Researchers from other national and international institutes
* Clinicians
* Suppliers.
Education
PhD in Cell Biology
Skills
Essential Requirements:
* PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or Pathology
* Experience in molecular biological techniques.
* Flexibility and ability to develop new skills
* Excellent organizational and time management skills
Desirable Requirements:
* Strong background in cancer research
* Ability to work independently and manage a team
* High quality written and oral communication skills
Certifications, Licenses & Registrations
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
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.