Job Description

Job Title

Project Officer (Research)

Job Description

An excellent opportunity is available for a Research Project Officer to join the Cancer Division (Gibbs Laboratory) at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

Department Overview

Earlier diagnosis and improved management of more advanced stage disease are critical to reducing the impact of cancer in our community. The research focus of our group is on identifying and validating predictive and prognostic biomarkers for cancer that will lead to improved treatments and outcomes, and developing new approaches to cancer therapy. There is also a growing effort in early cancer diagnosis through the development of a blood based cancer screening test. These research efforts are closely linked with clinical activity at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (PMCC), Western Health and Eastern Health, Western Health and Northern Health with a particular focus on translating promising biomarkers into routine tests.

About the position

The primary responsibility of the position is to coordinate and facilitate various clinical research projects including observational and clinical studies relating to cancer administered by WEHI and conducted at participating centres across Victoria and Australasia. The position will work with the Lead Investigators and participating centres to assist with study initiation, recruitment and coordination. The role will support the genito-urinary portfolio of clinical and translational research within the Gibbs Laboratory through project management of multi-site clinical and translational studies.

Selection Criteria

Qualities and Skills

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong time-management skills, ability to independently prioritise competing deadlines and comfortable working in a dynamic research environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously with initiative and sound judgement.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in health, science, or a related discipline; or equivalent relevant training/experience.
• Minimum three years’ experience in oncology, clinical research, or a related health research environment, with demonstrated competency in operational research activities.
• Experience managing or coordinating projects with dynamic priorities.
• Knowledge of the NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and current certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Demonstrated experience liaising with multidisciplinary clinical and research teams in the establishment and conduct of clinical studies.
• Experience in biological sample collection, processing, storage, and associated logistics.
• Demonstrated experience in data collection and management, including use of research databases.
• High level of computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable

• Knowledge of genitourinary cancers and/or molecular biology.
• Experience with data analysis in a research or clinical context.
• Phlebotomy skills.

Terms of appointment

This position is available for 12 months in a full time capacity. Salary is Research Employee Level 6 ($97,990 - $106,069). Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.

General enquiries can be directed to Maria Edmonds – edmonds.m@wehi.edu.au and Sophie O'Haire - ohaire.s@wehi.edu.au.

A position description is available here.

How to apply

Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application closing date: Sunday 18 October 2026.