Position overview

ACT Pathology is a division of the Canberra Health Services with laboratories located at both the Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital operating 24 hours, 7 days a week all year round. Pathology provides diagnostic and consultative services to medical specialists and general practitioners and their patients in hospital and in the community.

The Haematology laboratory is a tertiary facility performing complex investigations in the areas of Haematology, Transfusion, Haemostasis, Immunophenotyping and Bone Marrow Transplant.

Under direction, the Scientist role is responsible for the provision of Haematology, Coagulation and Transfusion testing. In the Haematology laboratory at Canberra Hospital, the Scientist role is a key position involved in the processing and analysis of results, troubleshooting of instrumentation, monitoring of quality control, blood film morphology and the provision of blood and blood products.

This position is an opportunity to be part of a large team with a number of specialist areas and room for personal development and possible career opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following:

Under direction of the Supervising Scientists, you will:

1. Conduct procedures and investigations requiring the application of professional knowledge and skills in the disciplines of Haematology, Coagulation and/or Transfusion.
2. Prepare specimens, reagents, standards, controls, and apparatus and maintain instruments as required.
3. Finalise routine reports and take part in the application of approved quality control procedures as required.
4. Supervise and assist in the training of junior staff as required.
5. Have an understanding and commitment to own personal development and continuous quality improvement.
6. Have a commitment to rotation through sections of the laboratory as required, and mandatory participation in the out of hours rosters (operations include 24/7 shift rosters). NB: This includes weekends and nights.
7. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following:

• Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive.
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Qualifications

Essential

• A science degree or equivalent relevant qualifications.

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Experience in the day-day operations in   Haematology and/or Transfusion.
• Experience of the quality requirements of a laboratory.

Experience

Essential

• Applicants must have a minimum of 12 months paid work experience, post-qualification, in a diagnostic laboratory.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
• Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work including nights.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Proven sound scientific knowledge and understanding of tests, techniques and procedures in Haematology, Coagulation and/or Transfusion.
2. Proven knowledge of and recent experience in the performance of Haematology, Coagulation and/or Transfusion testing including the use and maintenance of diagnostic laboratory instrumentation and techniques and quality control procedures.
3. Demonstrated ability and commitment to be a good communicator and contribute positively to the team.
4. Demonstrated commitment to own personal development with a potential for future and ongoing development.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays’ behaviours consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.