Medical Scientist Trainee – Anatomical pathology
MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000
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
Casual Role
Are you a university student pursuing a career in medical science? Join our dedicated Anatomical Pathology team at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre as a Casual Trainee Medical Scientist and gain hands-on experience in a world-class cancer research and treatment facility.
About the Role
- We are seeking a motivated trainee with a keen interest in Histology to support our team.
- This casual position is ideal for a student currently enrolled in a Laboratory Medicine or Biomedical Science undergraduate program, particularly with a strong focus on Histology techniques. Experience in cytology would be highly advantageous.
Key Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a Laboratory Medicine or Biomedical Science undergraduate course
- Strong understanding of Histology techniques
- Experience in Cytology (highly desirable)
- Availability to work between 5 AM and 6 PM, Monday to Friday
- Why Join Us?
- Gain practical experience in a leading cancer research centre
- Work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive environment
- Contribute to meaningful work in cancer diagnostics and research
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: Monday 24th February 2025
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Position Summary
This role would suit laboratory scientist trainees currently enrolled in a University undergraduate course in Laboratory Medicine or Biomedical Science with strong emphasis on Histology techniques. It is based within the Anatomical Pathology team at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre providing both histology and cytology services to the hospital. Other key stakeholders include the molecular pathology laboratory, clinical trials department and various research groups. The key responsibilities would be to work under appropriate supervision to extend and develop skills relating to histology and cytology:
• Embedding FFPE tissue
• Microtomy of FFPE tissue
• Slide staining: H&E and special stains
• Performing frozen sections
• Assisting with immunohistochemistry and FISH assays
• Computer entry of test requests and other clerical work in the LIS
• Communicate with medical, nursing and other allied health staff as appropriate.
• Receipt of reagents and consumables
• Data entry, slide and block filing
Position Reports to:
| Direct |
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| Indirect |
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Enterprise Agreement
Enterprise Agreement Medical Scientists, Pharmacists, and Psychologists
Classification or Salary Range
BR5-BR6
Immunisation Risk Category
Immunisation Category A
Key Relationships
| Internal | Principal Supervision:
Regular consultation: |
| External |
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Education
Skills
| Essential Requirements: |
Currently enrolled in BAppSc (Medical Lab Science) or BSc or equivalent degree with specific emphasis in Pathology and Histology. • Appropriate knowledge and some experience in the provision of laboratory services, quality systems and information technology. |
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Desirable Requirements: |
Experience in diagnostics, research laboratory or clinical trial testing specific to Anatomical Pathology. • Experience in one or more of the following disciplines; microtomy, embedding, frozen sections, standard histology staining techniques, immunohistochemistry and FISH.• Student Member of Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) • Understanding of validation of assays to NATA specifications. |
Certifications, Licenses & Registrations
Key Accountabilities
| 1.Processing and testing of samples in Anatomical Pathology techniques | •Knowledge of fundamental histology techniques such as microtomy, embedding, H&E staining, special stains, frozen sections and FISH preparation. • Actively assist with Anatomical Pathology testing for clinical trials, research and projects to ensure testing is completed within appropriate time frames. • Demonstration of an understanding of customer service for internal and external customers and a commitment 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 complete including procedures, maintenance records and quality assurance procedures according to laboratory, NATA ISO15189 and GCP and GLP standards. |
| 2.Operates and maintains laboratory equipment as required |
All equipment is used and maintained in accordance with laboratory manuals and procedures. |
| 3.Uses the laboratory quality system 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 relevant staff when additional information is required or when specimens are received fresh. • Is familiar with the internal and external quality control activities within the laboratory and complies with the relevant QC protocols |
| 4.Recognises and reports any clinically significant results to the appropriate staff member and any laboratory problems to senior scientific staff. |
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Key Accountabilities (Contd..)
| 5.Quality assurance | •Promptly reports procedural breakdowns, errors and incidents to their supervisor. •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. •Participates in internal and external QA programs. |
| 6.Works as part of a team | •Communicates and cooperates with co-workers to ensure work is completed within appropriate timeframes. • Willingness and flexibility to work across a range of shifts as required, including early shifts, afternoon shifts and some possible weekend work. |
| 7.Helps maintain external client base | •Communicates and cooperates with co-workers to ensure work is completed within appropriate timeframes. •Willingness and flexibility to work across a range of shifts as required, including early shifts, afternoon shifts and some possible weekend work. |
| 8.Ethical Conduct | •Acts in accordance with institution ethical guidelines and those established by relevant bodies. •Ensures patient confidentiality and privacy is protected. |
| 9.Work is performed safely | • All work practices are safe and conform to institution OH&S guidelines and standards. |
| 10.Professional approach to work | • Acts in accordance with institution policies in all matters. • Acts in accordance with the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) professional code of conduct. •Undergoes performance appraisals in accordance with Peter Mac guidelines. |
| 11.Continued Professional Development (CPD) | •Personal development to be reflected in training records which must be kept up to date, including records of meetings and training. •Maintains and develops own specialised skills and embraces skill extension, innovation and change. |
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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.