Position overview

ACT Pathology is a division of Canberra Health Services with laboratories located at the Canberra and North Canberra Public Hospitals. Pathology provides diagnostic and consultative services to medical specialists and general practitioners and their patients in hospital and in the community.

The Diagnostic Genomics Department is a multidisciplinary laboratory performing conventional cytogenetics, microarray techniques, Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation (FISH), PCR based genetic testing and Next Generation Sequencing for the investigation of constitutional and somatic abnormalities. This position offers an opportunity, under the direction of the Chief Scientist and Senior Scientists of Diagnostic Genomics, to be part of a dynamic team that provides a comprehensive Diagnostic Genomics service to the ACT and surroundings.

The successful applicant will need to be available for occasional weekends, and after-hours work, with access to flex time.

The selection may be based on written application and referee checks only.

Key Responsibilities

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

1. Conduct procedures and investigations that require applied professional knowledge and skills or the ability to acquire such knowledge and skills, in clinical diagnostic genomic testing.
2. Ability to analyse results in accordance with national requirements and take part in the application of approved quality control procedures as required.
3. Rotation through all sections of the diagnostic genomics laboratory with participation in shift work, after-hours work and out-of-hours rosters as directed.
4. Prepare reagents, standards and controls, maintain equipment and perform laboratory housekeeping duties as required.
5. Assist in the training of new staff in the department as required and have a commitment to own professional development.
6. Participate in the development of new techniques and demonstrate commitment to continuous quality improvement.
7. Maintain up-to-date knowledge on current practices and developments in molecular genetics / genomics and / or cytogenetics.
8. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

• Strong organisational skills with strong attention to detail and a high degree of drive.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Computer literacy skills.

Qualifications

Essential

• A Medical Laboratory Science Degree or equivalent relevant degree.

Desirable

• Relevant Post Graduate qualifications.
• Have an understanding of National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements for this role.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 1 year experience working in a diagnostic genomics laboratory.

Desirable

• Five (5) years of experience working in a diagnostic genomics laboratory.
• 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 and must be addressed in your application:

1. Proven sound scientific knowledge, understanding and experience of tests performed in a Diagnostic Genomics laboratory, and the associated techniques and procedures, including (but not limited to) conventional cytogenetics, microarray, FISH, DNA / RNA extraction, Real-Time PCR assays, and next generation sequencing technologies.
2. Demonstrated understanding of importance of good laboratory practice, as well as quality control, quality assurance and their application in a diagnostic laboratory.
3. Demonstrated high level communication and interpersonal skills in a team environment with a focus on positive emotional culture, and commitment to participate in shift work and after-hours rosters.
4. Demonstrated evidence and commitment to ongoing professional development, including willingness to learn new technical skills.
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.