Req ID: 7674
Date: 6 Aug 2026
Site: VCCC (Parkville)
Location:
MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000
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Company: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Unit: Pharmacy
Division: Chief Operating Officer
Department: Pharmacy
Enterprise Agreement: Medical Specialists (Victorian Public Health Secto
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Pharmacy
Pharmacy Summer Student
- Full-time, fixed term role – 4 weeks (November - December 2026)
- Parkville location, with multiple transport options
- Pharmacy student classification (RQ9) + Superannuation
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, compassion and excellence, and providing the best possible cancer care for our patients.
About the Team
The Pharmacy Department at Peter Mac delivers a comprehensive, patient-centred clinical pharmacy service, ensuring the safe and timely provision of medicines and treatments. Working in partnership with multidisciplinary teams, the department is actively involved in research, clinical trials, medication safety, and quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient care and service delivery.
About the Role
Peter Mac is offering a summer placement opportunity for pharmacy students interested in hospital pharmacy, cancer care, and research.
There are two temporary full-time positions available (4-week placement). Placement dates are flexible, with students able to nominate from the following options:
- Option 1: 16/11/26 to 11/12/26
- Option 2: 23/11/26 to 18/12/26
- Option 3: 30/11/26 to 24/12/26
Students must be available for the full duration of their nominated placement and should ensure the placement dates do not conflict with university commitments.
Project 1 – Quality Use of Medicines
In this project, one student will have the opportunity to:
- Contribute to a quality improvement audit that supports patient care
- Work alongside experienced pharmacists in inpatient and outpatient pharmacy
Throughout the placement, you'll gain valuable insight into specialist oncology pharmacy practice, develop your professional skills, and explore the diverse career opportunities available within hospital pharmacy and cancer care.
Key responsibilities
- Complete a quality improvement, audit, or research project aligned with departmental priorities
- Assist with data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Prepare a written report summarising project outcomes and recommendations
- Present project findings to the Pharmacy Department at the conclusion of the placement
- Participate in clinical and operational pharmacy activities under the supervision of pharmacists
- Assist with a range of pharmacy activities in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
Project 2 – Pharmacogenomics
This project provides hands-on experience for one student to:
- Contribute to a systematic literature review to identify strategies for optimising the discrete integration of pharmacogenomics into the electronic health record
- Work alongside hospital pharmacists specialising in the field of pharmacogenomics
Throughout the summer placement, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable insight into hospital pharmacy practice, develop your research skills, and have exposure to the diverse career opportunities of hospital pharmacists.
Key responsibilities
- Conduct title and abstract screening of published literature according to predefined eligibility criteria
- Perform full-text assessment of potentially eligible studies
- Extract study characteristics and relevant outcome data using data collection forms
- Support data organisation, management, and quality assurance throughout the review process
- Participate in project meetings and discussions regarding study findings
- Present project findings to the Pharmacy Department at the conclusion of the placement
About you
- Current enrolment in 3rd year Bachelor of Pharmacy or equivalent
- Interest in hospital pharmacy, research and quality improvement activities
- Demonstrated skills in communication and time management
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team
- Experience in Australian community or hospital pharmacy (desired)
Our benefits
We offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally, including:
- Public transport options at our doorstep and end of trip facilities for cyclists
- Onsite eateries and coffee shops and inviting rooftop garden spaces
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 opportunity is right for you, we warmly invite you to apply and encourage your early application. Applicants should provide a covering letter highlighting their key skills and experience to assist with our assessment. All appointments are made subject to satisfactory police check and vaccination evidence. 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.
For a confidential discussion about:
Project 1 - please contact Saniya Manani, Senior Pharmacist – Quality Use of Medicines at
[email protected] or 03 8559 8175.
Project 2 - please contact Hana Melhem, Pharmacogenomics Pharmacist at
[email protected] or 03 8559 5628.
Alternatively - Marliese Alexander, Deputy Director of Pharmacy – Quality and Research at
[email protected] or 03 8559 6137.
Applications Close: 11:59PM Thursday 27 August 2026
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Position Summary
Project 1 – Quality Use of Medicines
During the placement, the student will work closely with the Quality Use of Medicines Pharmacist to complete a quality improvement, audit, or research project, including data collection and analysis, and present their findings and recommendations to the Pharmacy Department. The placement also provides exposure to clinical pharmacy practice and opportunities to work alongside pharmacists within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Project 2 – Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomics (PGx), sometimes referred to as “precision medicine”, is the study of how genetics influence a person’s response to medications. PGx has the potential to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce adverse drug reactions by informing medication selection and dosing. As healthcare systems increasingly integrate PGx information into electronic medical records (EMRs), optimising clinical workflows has become an important focus for translating genetic information into routine patient care.
Enterprise Agreement
Medical Scientists, Pharmacists & Psychologists (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025
Classification or Salary Range
Pharmacy Student (RQ9)
Immunisation Risk Category
Category B
Key Relationships
Internal
Pharmacy staff
Medical staff
Nursing staff
Other health professionals
External
Pharmacists
Other health professionals
Skills
Essential Requirements
Undertaking Bachelor of Pharmacy or equivalent
Well-developed written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to co-operate with all hospital staff and patients
Organisational and time management skills
General computer skills and knowledge of information systems and technology
Desirable Requirements
Experience in hospital pharmacy
Key Accountabilities
Key Responsibilities
Demonstrated By / Key Performance Indicators
1. Clinical and Professional Practice
Work alongside pharmacists and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to gain exposure to specialist hospital and oncology pharmacy practice
Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, effective communication, and problem-solving skills within a patient-centred healthcare environment
Adhere to Peter Mac policies, procedures, safety standards, and all relevant Victorian and national pharmacy legislative requirements
Display Peter Mac's values of Excellence, Compassion and Innovation in all aspects of the placement
2. Quality Improvement, Audit and Research
Undertake a quality improvement, audit, or research project aligned with Pharmacy Department priorities
Collect, analyse, and interpret data to support patient care and service improvement initiatives
Contribute to research, innovation, and quality improvement activities within the Pharmacy Department
Effectively manage competing priorities and meet agreed project timelines
Key Accountabilities (Contd..)
3. Project Reporting and Presentation
Prepare a written report outlining project findings, outcomes, and recommendations
Present project findings and recommendations to the Pharmacy Department at the completion of the placement
4. Education and Team Participation
Participate in departmental meetings, education sessions, and other learning opportunitiesEngage collaboratively with pharmacy staff and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to support the delivery of high-quality patient care
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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.
