Scientist Grade 2 - Anatomical Pathology

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   Fixed Term Full Time Role.
A unique position has opened in the Anatomical Pathology Team at Peter Mac because of staff secondment.
This is a 2-year fixed term, full time position (80 hours +ADO)  as a Grade 2 Scientist Salary Range between $92,000 to $104,000 dependent on experience.
We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with either diagnostic cut up grossing / dissection experience or extensive IHC experience to join the team.
For the cut up / dissection role, the applicant must have a minimum of 3 years' experience grossing skins and non-complex specimens.
Depending on experience there will be opportunity to expand your skills in complex dissection.
The IHC role requires an experienced IHC scientist with a high degree of technical knowledge to be proficient in IHC automation and application of specialized antibodies and probes.
As part of a cancer specialist centre at Peter Mac, it is essential that you be able to work in a busy environment within a vibrant team and have excellent communication skills.
The applicant must be familiar with good, accredited laboratory practices and must be available for shifts during laboratory operational hours from 5am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Victorian Department of Health has recently announced a program of reforms across the public pathology system in Victoria.
As part of these reforms, the pathology services from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Royal Women's Hospital and the Royal Children's Hospital will transition to a new separate public pathology entity.
The new model for delivering public pathology services will present an exciting opportunity to improve the scope, scale and reach of pathology services and testing capability to all Victorians.
As this role is with Parkville, the successful candidate for this role will be initially employed by Parkville.
Once the new public pathology entity is fully formed, which is anticipated to be in late 2024, this position and the successful candidate's employment (including terms and conditions of employment) will transition to the new public pathology entity.
Please contact the recruiter if you have any questions on the pathology reforms and transition of this role to the new entity.
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.
Alternatively, please contact us using the information below for a confidential discussion.
Hiring Manager: Darrin Siiankosk Contact Number: 03 8559 5403 Email:****** Applications Close:11:59PM Thursday 10th October 2024  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Position Summary The Grade 2 medical laboratory scientist in Anatomical pathology will participate in a roster covering the preparation of FFPE human tissue for histological analysis.
Duties include embedding, microtomy, frozen sections, special stains, immunohistochemistry, FISH and macroscopic tissue cut-up as required.
Using strong practical and theoretical knowledge, this role involves training and mentoring junior technical staff, adherence to ISO 15189 standards and compliance to the pathology quality system.
This role contributes to a high quality, specialized service ensuring standard operating procedures comply with relevant accreditation requirements to meet the clinical and research needs of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Enterprise Agreement Medical Scientists, Pharmacists, and Psychologists Classification or Salary Range RY4 - RY7 Immunisation Risk Category Immunisation Category A Key Relationships  Internal •Supervised by: Senior Scientist 2IC Anatomical Pathology •Supervises: G1 Scientists, Lab Techs, students and trainees •Liaises with: clinicians and internal clients, other pathology scientific, technical and administrative staff •All other hospital staff  External   •External clinicians and clients Education Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science or Laboratory Medicine Skills •Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) or equivalent •Proven experience in a NATA accredited diagnostic Anatomical Pathology laboratory •Expertise and proficiency in both practical and theoretical knowledge in all aspects of histology including embedding, microtomy, special stains, frozen sections and immunohistochemistry •Recognised scientific training and competence relevant to the position including appropriate knowledge and experience in the provision of laboratory services, quality systems, information technology, establishment and maintenance of relevant analytical methods in histology •Professional approach to patient care, pathology services, confidentiality and efficiency in provision of pathology services •Evidence of effective communication skills and experience in training.
•Proven ability to work cooperatively with pathologists, clinicians, scientist colleagues, research and clinical trial staff •Understand concepts of general pathology and disease processes.
•Knowledge and understanding of current NPAAC guidelines and NATA ISO 15189 requirements •Experience with quality control and RCPA quality assurance programs •Ability to work in fast-paced environment.
Attention to detail is critical •Act as a mentor to junior staff members.
•Safeguards the integrity of the laboratory quality system with up to date SOPs •A high level of understanding the health and safety requirements of a pathology laboratory •Professional approach to patient care, pathology services, confidentiality and efficiency in the provision of pathology services Desirable Requirements     •Relevant post-graduate qualification related to Anatomical pathology  •Experience in the macroscopic cut-up of human tissue for histological analysis •Experience in FISH assays •Commitment to on-going professional development activities.
•Participation in APACE or other relevant CPD programs.
•Evidence of submitted manuscripts to scientific journals and/or presentations at conferences and seminars.
•Access/Excel/database management Certifications, Licenses & Registrations Key Accountabilities   Key Accountabilities   Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators 1.Ensuring both internal and external Anatomical Pathology services meet the clinical needs of Peter Mac patients as defined by the Head of Anatomical Pathology    •Maintaining service performance targets with existing external anatomical pathology providers such as that they meet Peter Mac, NPAAC and NATA requirements •Liaises with pathologists, external providers and clients to ensure a quality diagnostic service •Meets key performance indicators such as acceptable turnaround times •Smooth and efficient operation of daily workflow, including specimen receipt, tracking, processing, preparation & reports •Instruments are maintained and have minimal down time 2.
Laboratory staff are suitably trained and supervised    •Participate in departmental training and competencies to achieve benchmarks for the laboratory to achieve continuity of service delivery •Documentation of participation in departmental training, competency and continuous education programmes 3.
Supports a workplace culture that encourages change, learning, innovation and a team-based approach    •Successful implementation of new technologies, tests and workplace practices as required •Introduction of new approaches to achieve better integration of service delivery •Delivery of methodology and equipment validations to international clinical trial sponsor benchmarks •Proven ability to troubleshoot problems as they arise to achieve consistent and high quality reproducible results •Active participation in continuing professional development activities 4.
Maintains safe working practices and a safe working environment •Implement protocols designed to minimize accidents and injuries along with preventative measures •Ensure laboratory compliance with relevant OH&S legislative and regulatory requirements •Liaison with OH&S Representative 5.
Manages a continuous improvement and quality program  •Perform designated medical testing procedures as outlined in methods and procedures, ensuring adherence to NPAAC/NATA ISO15189 requirements •Participates in internal and external quality assurance programs •Develop, implement & monitor quality systems that meet the requirements of relevant accreditation bodies •Promptly and thoroughly investigates and reports all incidents and procedural breakdowns via Quality systems •All documentation maintained to NPAAC & NATA standards •Contribute to continual improvement processes to identify workflow efficiencies and improvements Key Accountabilities (Contd..) Key Accountabilities Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators 4.Supports a workplace culture that encourages change, learning, innovation and a team-based approach Successful implementation of new technologies, tests and workplace practices as required according to benchmarks as specified by the Director of Pathology Introduction of new approaches to achieve better integration of service delivery Delivery of methodology and equipment validations to international benchmarks as well as clinical trial sponsor benchmarks All staff have agreed training and develop plans such that they develop new skills and capabilities 5.Supports a workplace culture that encourages change, learning, innovation and a team-based approach Successful implementation of new technologies, tests and workplace practices as required Introduction of new approaches to achieve better integration of service delivery Delivery of methodology and equipment validations to international clinical trial sponsor benchmarks Meets all IVD regulation ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 requires its staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss this requirement.
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.