Position overview

Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. We provide acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. More information can be found on the CHS website.

Applications are sought for the 2027 clinical year. To be eligible for this position you must be PGY 5 + by February 2027

The Clinical Microbiology Department at ACT Pathology (Canberra Hospital campus) provides diagnostic and public health microbiological services to all ACT public hospitals, as well as outpatient and community services.  There are currently five Microbiologists, four of whom are dual trained in Infectious Diseases.  The Department of Clinical Microbiology is an advocate for diagnostic stewardship and works closely with Infection Prevention and Control, Occupational Medicine Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Infectious Diseases Department, as well as the Australian National University Medical School.

The antimicrobial stewardship service spans across the CHS and is supported by the Infectious Diseases Unit, including an AMS physician lead and AMS pharmacist.

This position may suit registrars in either microbiology or infectious diseases, offering them experience in antimicrobial stewardship and microbiology, and forming an important link between both departments.

The registrar will be based within the Department of Clinical Microbiology, under the management of the Director of Clinical Microbiology and supervision of the AMS lead physician, with 0.5FTE being allocated to each role. The position will enable microbiology laboratory bench work and training relevant to the experience and training requirements of the registrar, however would not be suitable for microbiology trainees requiring consolidated bench experience prior to Part 1 examinations.

The AMS registrar works collaboratively in all aspects of the role with the Microbiology registrar and is required to provide cross cover during times of leave.

Applicants MUST specifically address the selection criteria.  Interviews will be scheduled in-person the week of 17^th August 2026.

Key responsibilities

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

• Undertake AMS data collection, analysis, and contribute to report preparation across the health service.
• Authorise antimicrobial prescriptions and participate in targeted clinical AMS rounds within a multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute/coordinate review and development of procedures with respect to antimicrobial stewardship.
• Provide clinical support and expertise to the scientific laboratory staff in microbiology, infectious immunoassy and molecular pathology.
• Liaise with hospital staff, general practitioners and public health with respect to notification of critical results, testing, interpretation of results and management advice for patients with suspected or proven infectious diseases.
• Participate in the supervision, training and professional development of junior medical staff and medical students, and unit meetings and education.
• Participate in the clinical microbiology on call roster. Dual trainees in infectious diseases may also elect to be rostered on the general medical registrar after hours roster.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

About you

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

Competencies

• Comprehensive core knowledge of clinical microbiology and/or infectious diseases
• Ability to interpret clinical information and provide relevant advice in both written and verbal formats in a timely manner, involving medical, scientific and nursing staff
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• A systematic approach to problem solving
• An enthusiasm for learning with a respect for the knowledge and skills of the medical and non-medical members of the multidisciplinary unit.
• Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change

Qualifications

Essential

• Must have an Australian medical degree or equivalent
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• At least one year experience in Infectious Diseases Advanced training with the RACP (or equivalent) or two years post graduate experience in Clinical Microbiology at a registrar level

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• 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.
• 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 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, experience and referee reports.

1. Demonstrated knowledge in infectious diseases and/or clinical microbiology, with a particular focus on selection and use of antimicrobial agents and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and epidemiology.
2. Proven high-level communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to provide leadership and conflict management while working as a team member in a multidisciplinary environment.
3. Demonstrated ability in problem solving with evidence of participation in incident management, quality assurance and/or quality improvement activities
4. Awareness and understanding of the Australian Commission for Quality and Safety requirements for antimicrobial stewardship within Australian hospitals.
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.