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 for one year with possible extension. To be eligible to apply for this position you must be PGY4+ 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, AMS Team, Occupational Medicine Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Infectious Diseases Department, as well as the Australian National University Medical School.

The Clinical Microbiology Department strongly supports the registrar in the development of their laboratory skills, providing significant rostered time on the laboratory benches. Trainees will gain extensive training in general bacteriology, with moderate exposure to mycology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, molecular microbiology and infectious immunoassay. Opportunity may exist for trainees to spend time on short rotations to specific reference laboratories, such as for virology.

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

Key responsibilities

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

• Provide clinical support and expertise to the scientific laboratory staff in microbiology, infectious immunoassay 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.
• Liaise closely with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and the Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Team and participate in IPC/AMS activities, including investigation of outbreaks.
• Participate in the supervision, training and professional development of junior medical staff and medical students, and unit meetings and education.
• Demonstrate progress in specialty training including participation in the relevant teaching programs and activities, timely completion of assessments and involvement in research.
• 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.
• Contribute to laboratory quality assurance and participate in changes that improve quality and safety of patient care.
• Undertake other duties as directed, within the approved scope of clinical practice ensuring the delivery of high-quality person and family centered, safe and high-quality patient care

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).
• Have completed the equivalent of at least three years of relevant full time clinical experience (must be PGY4 or higher)

Desirable

• Previously worked in roles related to Clinical Microbiology or Infectious Diseases
• Successful completion of the RCPA Basic Pathological Sciences examination
• 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. Proven knowledge in general medicine and pathology with previous experience in Clinical Microbiology and/or Infectious Diseases.
2. Proven high-level communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to provide leadership 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. Demonstrated strong commitment to teaching at all levels including medical, nursing, and allied health professional staff, and evidence of prior experience in supervision and teaching.
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.