Position overview

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

The Molecular Pathology laboratory is a tertiary facility performing highly complex time-consuming investigations in the areas of Molecular Microbiology.

The successful applicant will be required to work in the evening, on public holidays and/or overnight and weekends.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

Under direction of the Chief Scientist and Senior Scientists you will perform diagnostic procedures, investigation of new methodologies, maintenance and troubleshooting of instrumentation, performance and monitoring of Quality Control, provision of results and research.

1. Conduct procedures and investigations that require applied professional knowledge and skills or the ability to acquire such knowledge and skills, in clinical molecular pathology diagnostic testing.
2. Ability to analyze assay results, finalize routine reports and take part in the application of approved quality control procedures as required.
3. Rotation through all sections of the molecular pathology laboratory with participation in shift, after-hours work and out-of-hours rosters as directed.
4. Prepare reagents, standards and controls and maintain instruments and apparatus as required.
5. Supervise and assist in staff training as required and have a commitment to own professional development.
6. An understanding and commitment to continuous quality improvement and customer focus.
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.

• Having experience in a diagnostic pathology laboratory/ Molecular Pathology
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs
• Self-Motivated, Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive.
• Good written and oral communication skills and the ability to liaise with a diverse range of clients,
• Strong attention to detail, reliable and punctual
• Ability to work in a team environment efficiently
• The successful applicant may be required to participate in shift, and out-of-hours rosters, rotating through a 7-day rostering cycle.

Qualifications

Specific qualifications include, but are not limited to, the following.

Essential

• Relevant Medical Laboratory Science Bachelor or equivalent qualifications.
• Be registered or be eligible for registration with the Australian Council for the Certification of the Medical Laboratory Scientific Workforce (ACCMLSW).

Desirable

• Understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Specific experience include, but are not limited to, the following.

Essential

• Minimum of 12 months experience working professionally in Pathology Laboratory.
• Understand National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements.

Desirable

• Prior experience in molecular pathology service
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Please note prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Supply certified copy of qualifications.
• Supply minimum of two referees willing to be contacted.

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.

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 the 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, understanding and experience of molecular tests, techniques and procedures in clinical molecular pathology such as automated DNA extraction and conventional and Real-Time PCR assays.
2. Demonstrated understanding of importance of good laboratory practice, contamination control procedures and the ability to handle and prioritise multiple tasks.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team environment, with a strong commitment to professional conduct and positive workplace behaviour. Willingness to participate in shift work, including after-hours, weekends, public holidays, and rostered out-of-hours duties.
4. Demonstrated evidence and commitment to own professional 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 behaviour 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.