Grade 3 Scientist - Histology Team Lead

Date:  14 Feb 2025
Site:  VCCC (Parkville)
Location: 

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company:  Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Unit:  Histology
Division:  Business Ventures
Department:  Pathology Operations
Enterprise Agreement:  Medical Scientists, Pharmacists and Psychologists
Histology

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

We are seeking a highly skilled Grade 3 Medical Laboratory Scientist – Histology Team Lead to join our Anatomical Pathology team in a full-time permanent capacity.
This position plays a pivotal role in preparing human tissue samples for histological diagnosis, utilizing a comprehensive range of histological techniques, including:

  • Embedding, microtomy, and handout
  • Molecular pathology
  • Frozen section preparation
  •  Quality control procedures
  • Special staining techniques

As a Team Lead, you will be responsible for supervising, mentoring, and training technical and scientific staff, ensuring high standards of practice and continuous professional development within the team.

 

Key Responsibilities

  •  Lead and oversee the daily operations of the histology team, ensuring high-quality laboratory practices.
  • Perform and supervise complex histological techniques to support accurate diagnosis.
  • Maintain compliance with ISO15189, NPACC guidelines, and the pathology quality management system.
  • Implement and monitor quality control measures to maintain laboratory excellence.
  • Train and mentor staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
  • Collaborate with pathologists and laboratory personnel to optimize workflow efficiency.
  • Contribute to research, development, and implementation of new techniques and technologies.

 

About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:

  • A degree in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent qualification.
  • 10 year's experience in histology and anatomical pathology laboratory techniques.
  • Strong leadership and mentoring skills with prior experience in a supervisory role.
  • A deep understanding of laboratory accreditation requirements, including ISO15189 and NPACC guidelines.
  • Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.

 

Inline with the Enterprise Agreement Medical Scientists, Pharmacists and Psychologists (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025,Salary range between $108,820.4 - $123,905.6based on years of experience.
If you are a passionate and experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist looking to lead a dedicated histology team, we would love to hear from you!

 

Victorian Department of Health has 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 are being considered for transition to a new style of service within Local Area Networks. 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 Parkville, the successful candidate for this role will be initially employed by Parkville. However, this position and the successful candidate’s employment (including terms and conditions of employment) may be subject to a transition as part of this reform agenda. Please contact the recruiter if you have any questions on the pathology reforms.

 

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: Darrin Siiankoski
Contact Number: 03 8559 7397
Email: Darrin.Siiankoski@petermac.org

Applications Close: 11:59PM Friday 28 February 2025
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Position Summary

The Grade 3 Medical Laboratory Scientist Histology Team Lead in Anatomical Pathology will play a key role in preparing human tissue samples for histological diagnosis, performing a wide range of histological techniques including embedding, microtomy, handout, molecular, frozen sections, quality control and special stains. This position will also be responsible for supervising, mentoring, and training technical and scientific staff to ensure high standards of practice. 
The role demands a comprehensive understanding of both practical and theoretical knowledge in anatomical pathology, combined with a strong commitment to quality and safety standards, ensuring compliance with ISO15189, NPACC guidelines, and the pathology quality management system.

Enterprise Agreement

Medical Scientists, Pharmacists and Psychologists (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025

Classification or Salary Range

Scientist Grade 3 RY9 – RZ3

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Category A

Key Relationships

Internal
  • Grade 1 & 2 Scientists
  • Medical Laboratory Technicians
  • Student Placements
  • Trainees
External
  • Clinicians and clients
  • Other pathology scientific, technical, and administrative staff
  • All other hospital employees
  • Service Providers – consumable and equipment

 

Education

Skills

Essential
  • Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine, Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science, or equivalent qualification in Anatomical Pathology.
  • Minimum of 10 years' experience in a NATA registered diagnostic Anatomical Pathology laboratory.
  • Expertise in all anatomical pathology techniques, including (but not limited to) embedding, microtomy, special stains, frozen sections.
  • Proven experience in leading and developing high-quality histology services, including method and equipment validation & training.
  • Extensive knowledge and application of ISO15189 standards and NPACC guidelines
  • Experience in quality management, quality control and RCPA quality assurance programs.
  • Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and document all laboratory processes, results, and activities in accordance with accreditation requirements.
  • Participate in internal audits and inspections to maintain laboratory certification.
  • Proven leadership experience in managing and mentoring laboratory teams.
  • Experience in daily staff management and roster coordination to meet service demands.
  • Lead, supervise, and mentor staff, providing guidance, training, and professional development to enhance their skills and performance.
  • Act as a role model in laboratory best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Familiarity with staff recruitment and interview processes, as well as performance management and development.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated continuing professional development (CPD) and ongoing commitment to keeping up to date with advances in anatomical pathology.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with staff, clinicians, and researchers.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions in a clinical laboratory environment.
  • Excellent organisational and time management abilities, able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ensuring professional, patient-centred care.
  • Proactive approach to meeting high standards of quality, efficiency, and safety.
Desirable
  • Relevant postgraduate qualifications in management, leadership, quality, health & safety training, or information technology (IT).
  • Proven experience in change management and project management.
  • Specialised knowledge in surgical cut-up/grossing, IHC, FISH, and / or cytology would be advantageous
  • Prior experience with clinical trials and research, demonstrating the ability to contribute to evidence-based practices.

 

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

Key Accountabilities

Ensuring Anatomical Pathology services meet the clinical needs of Peter Mac patients
  • Maintain service performance targets to ensure compliance with Peter Mac, NPAAC, and NATA requirements.
  • Ensure adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements.
  • Ensure that all services provided are continuously and completely compliant with relevant regulatory, credentialing, and quality requirements.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain efficient and streamlined diagnostic workflows.
  • Work in collaboration with pathologists and haematologists to develop and lead the delivery of high-quality, specialised diagnostic services.
  • Ensure all services meet key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on performance regularly to management.
  • Ensure that results are effectively and appropriately communicated to all relevant stakeholders, including clinicians, pathologists, and external service providers.
  • Oversee the maintenance of equipment, consumables, and reagent supplies to ensure that the laboratory is fully equipped for continuous service delivery.
  • Ensure strict adherence to patient confidentiality standards in all aspects of laboratory operations and patient care.
Laboratory staff are suitable trained and supervised
  • Participate in departmental training and mentoring programs, ensuring all laboratory staff are formally assessed as competent in their roles, with relevant training records completed and maintained.
  • Actively participate and ensure that annual competencies for laboratory staff are managed and completed on time, in compliance with departmental guidelines.
  • Supervise, manage, and provide direction to staff, ensuring that team members are performing to required standards and providing high-quality service.
  • Support the team by identifying and addressing performance gaps and ensuring staff members receive necessary training and support.
  • Ensure that staff training is appropriate, complete, and compliant with departmental requirements, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Construct rosters and allocate staff resources effectively to ensure continuous service delivery and that operational demands are meet.
  • Lead teams effectively and motivate staff to meet the service demands of the laboratory, ensuring high-quality results and outcomes.

 

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

Supports a workplace culture that encourages change, learning, innovation, and a team-based approach
  • Foster and support a workplace culture that encourages change, learning, and innovation while promoting a team-based approach to achieving departmental goals.
  • Encourage collaboration, open communication, and problem-solving across all teams to create a supportive and dynamic work environment.
  • Demonstrate a proven ability to troubleshoot issues as they arise, ensuring that problems are addressed promptly and do not impact the quality of results.
  • Work collaboratively with staff and stakeholders to identify root causes of issues and implement solutions that enhance reproducibility and reliability of results.
  • Ensure that all staff members have agreed training and development plans in place, enabling them to develop new skills and capabilities that align with department needs and personal career goals.
  • Maintain a record of CPD activities and encourage staff to develop and expand their professional knowledge and expertise
Maintains safe working practises and a safe working environment    
  • Implement protocols and safety procedures designed to minimise accidents and injuries, ensuring a safe working environment for all staff.
  • Report hazards or incidents promptly.
  • Ensure laboratory operations comply with all relevant occupational health and safety (OHS) legislative and regulatory requirements, including risk assessments and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Conduct regular reviews and audits of laboratory processes to ensure continuous compliance with safety standards and identify areas for improvement.
  • Develop and implement preventative safety measures to reduce risks related to laboratory equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and general laboratory practices.
Manages continuous improvement and quality program
  • Actively participate in quality assurance programs to maintain high standards of performance and reliability.
  • Develop, implement, and monitored quality systems as outlined in NPACC and ISO standards.
  • Conduct thorough investigations into incidents and procedural breakdowns, documenting and reporting findings via the quality management system.
  • Ensure that all validation processes are thoroughly documented, providing evidence of compliance with best practices and regulatory guidelines.
  • Ensured all documentation met NPACC and NATA standards, maintaining consistency and compliance.
  • Contributed to continuous improvement processes by identifying workflow efficiencies and implementing operational enhancements.

 

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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 is a child safe organisation and has a commitment to child safety and wellbeing.

 

 

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.