Postdoctoral Scientist – Beavis Laboratory

Peter MaCallum Cancer Cente - Peter Mac; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 100,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Health insurance

Wellbeing program

Public transport at doorstep

Onsite eateries

Job summary

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is seeking a Post Doctoral Researcher in the Beavis Laboratory to lead a high‑impact project on engineering next‑generation CAR T cells for solid tumours, focusing on cytokine CRISPR-mediated armouring to overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment. The role offers substantial independence, mentorship, and opportunities for high‑impact publications.

The successful candidate will supervise by Prof.

Qualifications

• PhD in cancer immunotherapy, immunology, cell biology, or related field.
• Strong experimental experience in molecular biology, immune cell culture and flow cytometry.
• Experience with gene-editing techniques (CRISPR/Cas9) and in vivo mouse work.
• Ability to independently design, execute, analyse and interpret experiments.
• Track record of manuscript preparation for peer‑reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Perform high‑standard experiments with rigorous methodologies.
• Analyze and interpret data, maintain accurate records.
• Collaborate with team and mentor junior staff where needed.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and publications.

Skills

Molecular biology

Immune cell culture

Flow cytometry

Gene editing CRISPR

In vivo mouse work

Bioinformatics analysis

Manuscript preparation

Independent design

Data interpretation

Education

PhD in cancer immunotherapy or related field

Job description

$99,725 - $115,527 a year

Contract, Full time

Hybrid

2d ago , from Peter MaCallum Cancer Cente - Peter Mac

YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE

Post Doctoral Researcher, Beavis Laboratory

• 12-months fixed term, full time position available - 80 hours per fortnight.
• Up to $99,725.00 - $115,527.00 (1RA6 - 1RA10) base salary per annum - depending on skills and experience.
• Parkville location with multiple public transport options.

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.

About the role

An opportunity exists immediately for a motivated and highly skilled post-doctoral scientist to join the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The postdoctoral researcher will be supervised by Prof. Paul Beavis and will be encouraged to develop independent research directions aligned with the lab’s goals. The successful candidate will lead a high-impact project focused on engineering next-generation CAR T cells for solid tumours, with an emphasis on cytokine CRISPR-mediated armouring to overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment. This role offers substantial scientific independence, close mentorship, and strong opportunities for high-impact publications and career development.

About you

You will hold a PhD in cancer immunotherapy, immunology, cell biology or related field and be motivated to make a significant contribution in the field of cancer immunology.

You’ll bring experience in:

• Molecular biology
• Immune cell culture
• Flow cytometry
• General laboratory duties
• PhD, preferably in Cancer Immunotherapy, Immunology or cellular biology

Experience in the generation of genetically modified cells, in vivo immunology and bioinformatics analysis wil be an advantage.

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 and 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.

Hiring Manager

Paul Beavis

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

Applications Close: 11.59pm Sunday 15 November 2026.

Position Summary

An opportunity exists immediately for a motivated and highly skilled post-doctoral scientist to join the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The postdoctoral researcher will be supervised by Prof. Paul Beavis and will be encouraged to develop independent research directions aligned with the lab’s goals. The successful candidate will lead a high-impact project focused on engineering next-generation CAR T cells for solid tumours, with an emphasis on cytokine CRISPR-mediated armouring to overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment. This role offers substantial scientific independence, close mentorship, and strong opportunities for high-impact publications and career development.

Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021 - 2026

Classification or Salary Range

1RA6 - 1RA10

Category A

Key Relationships

Internal

• Staff and students within the Research Division
• Other Peter Mac staff

External

• Researchers from other research centres

Skills

• PhD in cancer immunotherapy, immunology, cell biology, or a related field
• Strong experimental experience in molecular biology, immune cell culture, and flow cytometry
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, analyse, and interpret experiments
• Track record of leading manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed journals
• High level of scientific integrity, organisation, and attention to detail
• Motivation to make a significant contribution to the field of cancer immunotherapy
• Experience of disseminating data at both national and international meetings
• Experience with gene-editing techniques (CRISPR/Cas9)
• Proven ability to perform in vivo mouse work
• Bioinformatics analysis (bulk, single-cell RNA-seq or related datasets)

Key Accountabilities

1. Performing experiments to a high standard
   • Perform experiments to a consistently high scientific standard using rigorous, reproducible methodologies and attention to detail
   • Accurately analyse, interpret, and critically evaluate experimental data
   • Show a proactive approach to learning, problem-solving, and continuous skill development
   • Work effectively with a high degree of independence while appropriately seeking guidance when needed
   • Careful, accurate and timely record keeping
   • Demonstrate a strong commitment to scientific integrity, ethical conduct, and responsible research practices
2. Communication of research outcomes
   • Communicate effectively with collaborators within and outside Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
   • Assist with the preparation of abstracts, reports, and grant applications as required
   • Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, figures, and supplementary materials for publication
   • Present research findings clearly and effectively at lab meetings and internal meetings to other lab members
   • Excellent oral and written communication skills
3. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues
   • Foster productive and respectful working relationships within the laboratory and research division
   • Contribute positively to a collaborative and inclusive research environment
4. Training of junior staff/students
   • Assist in the training and supervision of students and junior staff
   • Promote reproducibility and best practice in experimental design and execution
   • Accurate recording of protocols to ensure reproducibility of experiments
5. Abides by OHS requirements
   • Complies with Infection Control policies and procedures 100% of the time
   • Completes incident reports 100% of the time and responds appropriately to OH&S incidents
   • Attends Health & Safety training on emergency procedures annually and is capable of identifying emergency equipment in place
   • Follows established procedures

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.