Scientist Grade 2 – Molecular Pathology Analyst

At Peter Mac we aim to continuously improve cancer care, research and education across all cancers and for all people affected by cancer: changing lives, breaking new ground. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values, Excellence, Compassion and Innovation. Welcoming people from a wide variety of different backgrounds and experiences is critical to fostering innovation, cultivating compassion, attracting and retaining top talent and providing the best possible cancer care for our patients.

YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE

Ongoing Full Time Role
 

The Molecular Pathology Cancer Predisposition Team in the Department of Pathology is looking for an experienced Grade 2 Medical Scientist to join our team to help support the molecular diagnostic services.
The permanent full-time position presents an exciting opportunity to gain invaluable experience in this rapidly growing field.

Suitable candidates will be highly motivated and self-driven and possess a relevant science degree with genetics and molecular biology experience.

Previous experience working in an accredited Diagnostic Molecular Pathology/Genetics laboratory and in the clinical interpretation and reporting of next generation sequencing data would be an advantage.

Victorian Department of Health has recently announced a program of reforms across the public pathology system in Victoria.

As part of these reforms, the pathology services from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital will transition to a new separate public pathology entity. The new model for delivering public pathology services will present an exciting opportunity to improve the scope, scale and reach of pathology services and testing capability to all Victorians.

As this role is with PMCC, the successful candidate for this role will be initially employed by PMCC. Once the new public pathology entity is fully formed, which is anticipated to be in late 2024, this position and the successful candidate’s employment (including terms and conditions of employment) will transition to the new public pathology entity. Please contact the recruiter if you have any questions on the pathology reforms and transition of this role to the new entity. 

Applicants to this role should provide a covering letter outlining relative key skills and experience to assist us with our assessment.

For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position summary.

Alternatively, please contact us using the information below for a confidential discussion.

 
Hiring Manager: Justine Marum
Contact Number: 8559 6228
Email:Justine.Marum@petermac.org

Applications Close: 11:59pm Monday 15th of July 2024
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Position Summary

To support the Molecular Pathology Laboratory to provide the highest quality of molecular services to the patients of Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and its external clients. Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

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• Analysis & review of results and report authorisation as directed by Team Leader(s) responsible for section.
• Preparation for, and attendance at intramural / extramural MDTs and internal Pathology meetings.
• Maintain knowledge of medical/scientific literature relevant to the laboratory’s testing programme.
• Training & proficiency sign-off of staff in new methodologies.
• Automation and streamlining of reporting workflows.
• Preparation and maintenance of standard operating procedures.
• Quality management and maintenance of accreditation.
• Awareness & adherence to Occupational Health and Safety policies.
• Contribution to service development.
• Ethically conducting all duties.

NOTE: The hours of this position are subject to change in line with our commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

Enterprise Agreement

Medical Scientists, Pharmacists and Psychologists (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2017-2021

Classification or Salary Range

Grade 2 Medical Scientist (RY4 – RY7)

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Category A

Key Relationships

Internal

Clinicians, genetic counsellors, researchers, and pathology scientists

External

Clinicians, external clients and institutions

Education

Bachelor of Science in Genetics or Laboratory Medicine
Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Skills

Essential requirements

• BSc or equivalent with specific training and / or experience in molecular diagnostics.
• Demonstrated experience in diagnostic pathology with specific experience in high throughput diagnostic molecular pathology.
• Demonstrated experience and competency in the analysis and reporting of both NGS based and non-NGS based diagnostic testing.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of the principles of variant curation, HGVS nomenclature and interpretation of genomic results in relevant clinical context.
• Demonstrated experience with laboratory quality systems (Qpulse experience preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with preparing and maintaining NATA documentation.
• Recognised scientific training and competence relevant to the position including appropriate knowledge and experience in laboratory services, quality systems, information technology, analytical methods and techniques used.
• Interpersonal attributes necessary to work as part of an effective and clinically interactive team.
• Professional approach to patient care, service confidentiality and provision of pathology/testing services.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to meet the clinical expectations of client.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate cooperatively in a team including other scientists, senior scientists, pathologists, genetic counsellors, clinical staff and researchers.
• Demonstrated ability to present work, write protocols and maintain documentation

Desireable requirements

• Postgraduate qualification (MSc, PhD).
• Relevant Professional Society Membership and Fellowship (eg. HGSA, FFSc (RCPA)).
• Experience with one or more of: automated sequencing (Sanger & NGS), high resolution melting, genotyping, real-time PCR, digital PCR and bio-informatics.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities Demonstrated By/Key Performance Indicators 1. The provision of molecular pathology services that meet clinical requirements including TAT.

• Demonstrated experience and competence to make independent analytical decisions in the performance and understanding of a wide range of diagnostic tests or procedures or of complex tests
• Demonstrated ability to critically assess and evaluate reporting products or workflows
• Mentoring and/or training of undergraduate and graduate scientific staff within laboratory protocols
• Efficient management of resources so that the laboratory’s clients are satisfied the service meets the clinical needs of their patients and test results / reports are issued with clinically acceptable turnaround times.
• Efficient assignment of pathogenicity to variants generated from sequence data.
• Validation and authorization of reports including signing out when delegated from Team Leader(s) or Principal Scientist for Molecular Pathology
• Smooth and efficient operation of reporting workflow including analysis and reporting as required.
• Minimal disruption to continuity of service delivery
• Demonstrates an understanding of customer service for internal and external customers and is committed to effectively meeting their needs in a helpful and professional manner.
• Keeps patient information confidential
• Monitors, and adheres to key performance indicators.
• All documentation is completed including procedures, maintenance records and quality assurance procedures according to laboratory, NATA ISO15189 standards and protocols.

2. Operates and maintains laboratory equipment as required.

• N/A

3. Uses the laboratory LIS for processing and testing of all samples and has an understanding of the clinical implications of laboratory results.

• Ensures the appropriate identification and labelling of specimens and request forms, processing of all specimens for assay or dispatch to other laboratories, data entry of all relevant patient and testing information.
• Contacts the requesting medical officer or other staff when additional information is required or specimens cannot be processed according to laboratory protocol.
• Is familiar with the internal and external quality control activities within the laboratory and complies with the relevant QC protocols.

4. Recognizes and reports any clinically significant results to the appropriate staff member and any laboratory problems to senior scientific staff.

• Demonstrated ability to provide professional advice within and/or outside the laboratory on appropriate scientific/clinical matters
• Communication with clinical staff and external clients as appropriate
• Liaises well with other staff members to ensure that all molecular pathology testing adheres to the relevant protocols.
• Seeks the advice of the senior scientific staff to solve any scientific and technical problems in the laboratory.

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

5. Quality assurance

• Participates where appropriate in internal and external QA programs.
• Participates in educational activities including attendance at internal and external training courses, clinical and scientific meetings.
• Demonstrated commitment to further education and ongoing professional development, which may include attendance at scientific meetings and activities recognised through the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists or equivalent professional body
• Maintains and develops own specialised skills.
• Embraces skill extension, innovation and change.

6. Works as part of a team

• Communicates and cooperates with co-workers to ensure work is completed within appropriate timeframes.
• Supports a workplace culture that encourages change, learning, innovation and a team-based approach with a client-responsive and patient-oriented emphasis.

7. Maintain safe working practices and a safe working environment.

• Implement measures designed to minimise accidents and injuries (in consultation with Senior Scientists and Principal Scientist for Molecular Pathology)
• Ensure laboratory compliance with relevant OHS legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that all incidents and near misses are reported in the appropriate system and that these records are used for continuous safety improvements.
• Liaison with OHS representative.

8. Follows appropriate policies and procedures

• Acts in accordance with the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) professional code of conduct.
• Compliance with NPAAC guidelines for nucleic acid testing.

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For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position profile. Alternatively, please contact us for a confidential discussion.

Peter Mac requires its staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this requirement.

WHY WORK FOR PETER MAC

• Peter Mac offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally.
• Our staff benefits include award winning facilities, professional development and events, a health and wellbeing program, flexible work practices and policies and financial benefits such as salary packaging.
• We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.