Manager, Histopathology

An exciting opportunity to join the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
- Ongoing, full-time opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service
- VPS Grade 6: $127,467 - $170,579 plus superannuation

About us
The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) is an independent statutory authority governed by the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Act 1985 (the VIFM Act). It is part of the Justice portfolio of the Victorian Government.
The work of the VIFM can be described as a cycle of three parts:

- Providing forensic medical and scientific services and tissue banking
- Learning from this work
- Researching and teaching.

About the role
This role supports the VIFM's vision with providing a comprehensive forensic histopathology service to Institute pathologists, registrars, and trainees/students, by adopting a team-based approach to undertake the histological tasks needed to provide this service.

**Some of your duties may include**:

- providing high level expertise dealing with the management of the histopathology function within the Institute including oversight of scientific and technical procedures, quality control and the development of a culture of scientific excellence
- contributing to the development of the business plan direction, provide briefs and undertaking special projects and research activities at the Institute
- ensuring the policies and technical procedures used in the laboratory meet the requirements set by NATA/RCPA for successful accreditation
- ensuring the appropriate occupational health, safety and security procedures of the Institute are adhered to by all staff working in the laboratory
- advising the Head (Forensic Sciences) of business planning strategies affecting histology
- managing the Histology budget and advise the Head (Forensic Sciences) concerning staff, equipment and maintenance requirements in the laboratory
- liaising with pathologists and others to continuously improve the service and facilitate the efficient flow of coronial work
- identifying appropriate staff development needs, and participating in and supervising the technical training and teaching of histology staff and pathology trainees
- providing professional leadership and performance management in a specialised corporate function to histology staff, both within the work environment and laboratory roster ensuring all staff have implemented a performance development plan, supervising work quality and timeliness and developing the overall capability to enable staff to deliver quality results and service excellence in a collaborative team based environment
- representing the Histology Section and the Forensic Sciences at relevant committees and meetings, including Australian and international forums, and providing high-level advice and expertise on histology matters
- monitoring international developments in forensic science and conducting research to enable contribution to the acquisition of new knowledge and the development of a personal record of publication
- participating in strategic planning and decision making processes in the histology laboratory
- assisting in the continuous improvement culture within the organisation.

About you
- Extensive practical senior experience in a functional histology laboratory
- Demonstrated knowledge of a full range of histological techniques & methods used in anatomical and forensic pathology
- Demonstrated knowledge & understanding of medical & relevant forensic accreditation requirements prescribed by ISO15189
- Strong leadership and people management skills with a proven record in team building and team leadership in managing teams within a laboratory setting
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain effective relationships with clients, staff and other professionals.

Qualifications/Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in medical science, or equivalent that satisfies entry to the Australian Institute of Medical Laboratory Scientists
- Membership of relevant professional associations, e.g. Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) & Histology Group of Victoria (HGV)

How to apply

**FOR INTERNAL VPS EMPLOYEES**:
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**:
The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic). Therefore, there is a requirement that all DJCS employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to undertake duties outside of their homes.
At interview stage and prior to commencement of employment with the department, you will need to provide evidence that you are vaccinated against COVID-19 with three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Upon commencement of employment with the department you will be required to provide evidence that you have an up-to-date vaccination status within