Medical Laboratory Technician Grade 2 - Molecular Pathology

Date: 20 May 2025

Site: VCCC (Parkville)

Location:

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Unit: Molecular Pathology

Division: Business Ventures

Department: Pathology Operations

Enterprise Agreement: Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sect

Molecular Pathology

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
Laboratory Technician
Fixed Term Full Time Role

To provide technical support to the molecular pathology department.

Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Specimen receipt and accessioning, handling histology slides and paraffin blocks for molecular studies, DNA / RNA extraction and quantitation, tissue microdissections, tissue culture
• Performing standard molecular assays including: PCR, ddPCR, QPCR, HRM, Sange Sequencing, MLPA, Next Generation Sequencing Operation and maintenance of equipment
• General laboratory duties
• Fixed term untill June 2026
• Monthly ADO.

Victorian Department of Health has endorsed the initiative to restructure existing public pathology by bringing together laboratories into pathology networks operating under a lead health service.

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 single pathology service. This creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen the scope, scale and reach of pathology services across the Parkville precinct to benefit all Victorians. This role will transition to the new lead health service for pathology services once determined.

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: Piers Blombery
Contact Number: 03 8559 7809
Email: piers.blombery@petermac.org

Applications Close:11:59PM Tuesday 3 June 2025

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Position Summary

To provide technical support to the molecular pathology department. Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

specimen receipt and accessioning, handling histology slides and paraffin blocks for molecular studies, DNA / RNA extraction and quantitation, tissue microdissections, tissue culture.
performing standard molecular assays including: PCR, ddPCR, QPCR, HRM, Sanger Sequencing, MLPA, Next Generation Sequencing.
operation and maintenance of equipment.
general laboratory duties.

This role will contribute to the University of Melbourne's partnership with international genomics company Illumina by collaborating with The Advanced Genomics Collaboration by jointly fostering the development of world-leading genomics research and innovation activities and to accelerate the translation of these innovation through to adoption in the healthcare system.

Enterprise Agreement

Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021 - 2026

Classification or Salary Range

BV1 – ON18

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Category A

Key Relationships

Internal - Clinicians, genetic counsellors, researchers, CSR and pathology scientists. External - Clinicians, external clients and institutions

Education

Diploma in Laboratory Technology

Skills

Essential Requirements

Diploma in Laboratory Technology or an equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution with subjects relevant to pathology or medical laboratory operations
Demonstratable ability in performing multiple molecular pathology methods (PCR, ddPCR, QPCR, HRM, Sanger Sequencing, MLPA, Next Generation Sequencing), workflows and use of automation
Demonstrated skills in use of LIMS and middleware
Demonstrable skills in communication
Demonstrable ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
Excellent attention to detail
Prior experience working in a diagnostic pathology or molecular pathology laboratory
Prior experience working with FFPE tissues, blood, bone marrow, cytology samples and handling of DNA and RNA

Desirable Requirements

Proven ability to develop and write SOPs
Proven ability to improve workflow and lab efficiency

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities	Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators
1. Perform sample receipt and accessioning for all molecular pathology specimens.	All specimens are correctly accessioned. All specimens are correctly labelled and identified. All procedures followed correctly.
2. Tissues prepared for microdissection and DNA digested.	All tissue sections and blocks retrieved from and returned to source laboratories. All tissues prepared and undertake microdissection as needed. Accurate record keeping. DNA digested in accordance with procedure manuals
3. Prepare DNA and RNA from samples	Quality DNA and RNA prepared in accordance with procedure manuals. DNA and RNA quantitated in accordance with procedure manuals.
4. Establish and maintain cell lines	All control cell lines maintained and cryopreserved. Control cell line aliquots always available for scientists. All cell counts performed correctly and aliquots contain correct number of cells. All cell lines correctly entered into inventory
5. Handling of clinical trial and referred specimens	All clinical trial and referred specimens are handled, processed and dispatched in accordance with protocols and GCP. Liaises effectively with trial coordinators and external laboratory staff. Correct use of clinical cost centres.
6. Perform molecular assays	Performance of broad range of molecular assays under the supervision of a trained scientist including: PCR setup, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), Quantitative PCR (QPCR), HRM, Sanger Sequencing, MLPA, Targeted amplicon and Capture Next Generation Sequencing.
7. Maintenance and operation of equipment	All equipment maintained and operated in accordance with equipment and procedure manuals, as requested.

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

Key Accountabilities	Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators
8. Performs general laboratory duties	General laboratory duties (e.g. reagent preparation, waste disposal, laboratory tidiness) performed as required and on request from scientists. Administrative duties as required
9. Work practices are in accordance with the laboratory quality systems and procedures	Ensures that work practices are in accordance the laboratory quality systems and procedures at all times. Ensures that laboratory documentation is up to date at all times. Works cooperatively with the Quality Manager.
10. Recognises and reports any laboratory problems to senior scientific staff	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.
11. Quality Assurance	Participates where appropriate in internal and external QA programs. Promptly reports procedural breakdowns, errors and incidents by means of the non-conformance reporting system. Participates in educational activities including attendance at internal and external training courses, clinical and scientific meetings. Maintains and develops own specialised skills. Embraces skill extension, innovation and change.
12. Helps maintain external client base	Cooperates with and assists external clients.
13. Work as part of a team	Communicates and cooperates with co-workers to ensure work is completed within appropriate timeframes. Provides mentorship and training to junior members of team
14. Conduct is ethical	Acts in accordance with Institute ethical guidelines and those established by relevant bodies including NATA, NPAAC, RCPA. Patient confidentiality and privacy is protected.
15. Work is performed safely	Ensures that all work practices are safe and conform to Institute OH&S guidelines and standards.
16. Professional approach to work	Acts in accordance with Institute policy in all matters.

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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.