Research Assistant - Delconte Laboratory

Research Assistant – Cancer Research (Delconte Lab)

• 4-month fixed term, full time position available until end Dec 2026 - 76 hours per fortnight.
• Up to $89,992.97 (1RA4) - $115,527.48 (1RA10) per annum, depending on experience.
• Parkville location, with multiple public transport options available.

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.

The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac) is a Victorian public health service and a world-leading comprehensive cancer centre, dedicated to excellence across all spheres of clinical care, research and education. We are home to the largest cancer research enterprise in Australia and provide treatment to around 40,000 people with cancer each year.  Welcoming staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences is integral to fostering innovation and compassion, and delivering the best possible cancer care for our patients.

About the role

An opportunity exists for a motivated and highly skilled research assistant to join the Delconte Laboratory at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Our research program investigates how dietary interventions and tissue-specific metabolic cues shape Natural Killer (NK) cell biology and anti-tumour immunity. In this role, the successful candidate will employ a combination of in vivo dietary models, tumour immunology approaches, metabolic assays and multi-omics analyses to define how metabolic rewiring influences NK cell function across tissues and within the tumour microenvironment.

Suitable applicants will have experience in cancer immunology and/or metabolism. Skills in flow cytometry, cell culture, metabolic profiling, bulk and single-cell RNAseq analysis are desirable. The position will provide an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a growing research program at the interface of immunometabolism and cancer immunotherapy under the supervision of Dr Rebecca Delconte.

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 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. 

Hiring Manager: Rebecca Delconte

Email: ***************@petermac.org

Application close date: 11.59pm Thursday 3 September 2026.

_______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.