Position overview

ACT Pathology is a division of Canberra Health Services with laboratories located at both The Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital. Pathology provides diagnostic and consultative services to medical specialists and general practitioners and their patients in hospital and in the community. The Microbiology Department is based at the Canberra Hospital laboratory and provides a broad range of clinical diagnostic microbiology services, including bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology and parasitology.

The Department actively promotes diagnostic stewardship and utilizes a range of diagnostic methods to optimize the clinical management of patients and support ACT public health, antimicrobial stewardship and hospital infection prevention and control.

The successful applicant will be required to supervise a laboratory team within the Microbiology Department located at Canberra Hospital. They will participate in the routine work of the laboratory as well as performing investigations of a non-routine or more complex nature. Extensive in-depth knowledge and experience in clinical diagnostic microbiology is essential. The laboratory operates an extended-hour service 7 days a week and a successful applicant will be required to participate in the out-of-hour and on-call rosters.

Key Responsibilities

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

Under direction of the Supervising Scientist Microbiology you will perform diagnostic procedures, investigation of new methodologies, maintenance and troubleshooting of instrumentation, performance and monitoring of Quality Control and provision of clinical test results. You will:

1. Supervise a laboratory team within the Microbiology Laboratory. Plan, allocate and co-ordinate the work of the team. Ensure an efficient workflow.
2. Participate in the routine work of the laboratory including the training of staff in routine procedures and participate in research projects and investigations of a non-routine or more complex nature. Authorise computer generated reports.
3. Assist in the development of new techniques, review existing methods, introduce new or modify existing methods as appropriate for the area.
4. Participation in the maintenance of procedures and laboratory manuals to current accreditation standards. Maintain quality control and quality assurance procedures.
5. Continuous improvement of knowledge of current practices and developments in clinical microbiology. Present seminars/lectures on Microbiology and represent the laboratory at various meetings as required.
6. Provide scientific advice to clinicians on the selection of tests and interpretation of results.
7. Familiarity with and development of computer skills, including word processing and various database software.
8. 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 and work as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability and punctuality.

Qualifications

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

Essential

• A Medical Laboratory Science Degree or equivalent relevant degree.

Desirable

• Major in Clinical Microbiology is highly desirable.
• 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

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

Essential

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working as a paid professional in a clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratory as a scientist.

Desirable

• Experience working in a supervisory role in a clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratory is highly desirable
• Five or more years of experience working in a clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratory with specialist expertise in areas such as Mycobacteriology, Mycology, Susceptibilities, Parasitology, Information Technology (pertinent to diagnostic microbiology) and/or Molecular Pathology.
• 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.

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.
• 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. Extensive professional and in-depth knowledge, experience and demonstrated technical expertise in diagnostic clinical microbiology. Current experience and proven ability in the performance of routine microbiology work, as well as investigations of a non-routine and/or more complex nature.
2. Experience and proven ability in the day-to-day supervision of a laboratory team. Demonstrated personal qualities of leadership, including high level communication skills, motivation, initiative, problem solving and time management.
3. Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance and quality control, and a contemporary knowledge of NATA Medical Testing requirements.
4. Demonstrated evidence and commitment to professional development and maintenance of professional standards.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) 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.