Scientific Assistant

**Job no**: 498127

**Work type**: Permanent

**Location**: South Brisbane

**Categories**: Laboratory

**About the role**

Mater Pathology currently has multiple opportunities for dedicated **Scientific Assistants** to join their team. These will be full time, part-time and casual positions.

With over 100 years of experience, Mater Pathology is Queensland's leading not-for-profit pathology provider, at the forefront of innovation providing a broad spectrum of unique pathology expertise through its highly skilled cohesive team of pathologists and scientific, technical and administration staff.

**Salary range: $27.35 - $29.66 (Operational Officer Level 2) per hour plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900**

**What you’ll be doing**

As a Scientific Assistant you will work cooperatively with colleagues within Mater Pathology to process clinical specimens and assist medical and scientific staff in the preparation of specimens for examination.

The laboratory areas that you may be rostered in include Central Specimen Reception (CSR), Microbiology, Haematology, Transfusion, Genetics, Cytogenetics, Chemical Pathology, Cellular Molecular Diagnostics (CMD), Anatomical Pathology and the Stat Laboratories.

Your responsibilities will include (but not be limited to):

- Demonstrate meticulously identification of specimens and accurate transfer of data throughout the data entry and handling process including understanding the serious consequences of misidentification.
- Accurate and timely data entry of all specimens into the Laboratory Information System including accurate patient identification, referrer information, billing and site details.
- Adherence to departmental quality system procedures, and the occupational health and safety policy in order to uphold laboratory standards and ensure personal and others' health and safety in the workplace.
- Deliver customer experience of a high standard by ensuring a professional appearance and positive personal interactions.
- Provide positive customer interactions for test add ons, laboratory information and results notification.
- Undertake test sendaway tasks to ensure accurate and appropriate packaging of specimens to other referral laboratories.
- Practices in accordance with best practice, legal, ethical and professional standards.
- Ensure adequate stock and equipment management processes are in place to meet the needs of customers and avoids waste.
- Ensure specimens are managed in accordance with storage standards.
- Manage the movement of samples between CSR and the laboratory as required to ensure spoilage times are not compromised.
- Undertake administration and general maintenance activities as required for the laboratory location.
- Assist the Scientific staff with routine tasks as required for the laboratory location.
- Perform additional tasks at the direction of the relevant supervisor.

**About you**

To be successful in this role you will require:

- Sound knowledge of Central Specimen Reception duties.
- Experience in a pathology laboratory in a role involving specimen handling and preparation
- A Certificate III or IV in Laboratory or Pathology related skills
- A sound level of customer experience skills to ensure ongoing customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrated commitment and ability to work both autonomously and co-operatively in a team; liaise with colleagues and supervisors and exhibit a high level of interpersonal communication skills.
- A strong work ethic, positive attitude and willingness to role model and promote the Mater values.

We are seeking someone who can work as part of a flexible team on a 24/7 roster after suitable training.

**Qualifications**

Essential
- No formal qualifications are required. A secondary education (senior certificate) or equivalent would be an advantage.

Highly desirable
- A background in customer service
- Experience in a pathology laboratory in a role involving specimen handling and preparation
- A Certificate III or IV in Laboratory or Pathology related skills

**Why join us?**

Mater is Queensland’s largest and most innovative not-for-profit healthcare service, providing care for almost 700,000 patients a year across a network of 11 hospitals.

We are a leader in healthcare, education and research — and that’s because we employ exceptional people. **#MAKEYOURMATERMOVE**
- Via salary packaging arrangements, allocate some living expenses directly from your pre-taxable income and ultimately increase your take-home pay
- Access to package meal and entertainment expenses via salary packaging
- Access to leading education and professional development via Mater Education
- Flexible working arrangements, including work from home options where suitable
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program and on-site pastoral care teams
- Discounts to local and national business/venues for Dining/Retail/Travel & Accommodation/Other
- Access to on-site, discounted parking
- Discounted