Molecular Dx Translation Scientist - Automation & Integration

Req ID: 7218

Date: 11 May 2026

Site: VCCC (Parkville)

Location:

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Unit: Molecular Pathology

Division: Business Ventures

Department: Pathology Operations

Enterprise Agreement: Medical Scientists, Pharmacists and Psychologists

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

Molecular Diagnostic Translation Scientist - Automation & Integration

Ongoing, full time position
80 Hours per fortnight with monthly ADOs & 5-Weeks Annual Leave & 17.5% Leave Loading
Parkville Location, with multiple public transport options
Salary Range from $94,478.80 to $106,906.80 + Salary Packaging + Super

About the team

The Molecular Pathology Laboratory in the Department of Pathology is recognised for its leading role in molecular and genomic diagnostic testing, supporting personalised cancer treatment and clinical trials. The team works with advanced technologies, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, collaboration, and timely patient results.

About the role

As part of the ongoing development of our genomic services, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an Automation and Integration Scientist to join the Molecular Pathology laboratory. We are seeking an enthusiastic Scientist to oversee and optimise the performance of automated systems, including Hamilton robotic liquid handlers. You will be responsible for the validation and implementation of new automation, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in molecular diagnostic testing. As a key member of the Laboratory Operations team, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality molecular testing that underpins patient care at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and for our external clients.

A regular day will see you:

Oversee the performance, maintenance and optimisation of automation platforms including existing robotic liquid handlers
Play a key role in integrating laboratory instruments with IT and LIMS systems
Evaluate automation innovations and technologies for their potential transfer into clinical practice
Collaborate with the diagnostic teams to develop, validate, and implement new automated processes, prepare standard operating procedures and provide training to ensure the smooth transition into routine use
Promote the adoption of automation technologies by working with staff to build confidence and enhance user experience
Support quality assurance activities and compliance with laboratory accreditation standards

About you

You are a motivated and detail-oriented laboratory professional who thrives in a fast paced, collaborative environment and is committed to delivering high quality molecular diagnostic results. You hold a relevant science degree and bring experience in programming robotic liquid handlers and troubleshooting automation systems. Good communication and teamwork skills are essential, as is the ability to manage multiple projects and contribute to continuous service improvement.

Our benefits

We offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally, including:

Up to $11,660 in salary packaging to increase your take home pay
Discounted health insurance and eye care
A comprehensive health and wellbeing program
Public transport options at our doorstep and end of trip facilities for cyclists
Onsite eateries and coffee shops and inviting rooftop garden spaces
Pathways for professional development and new career opportunities
Five weeks annual leave, 17.5% leave loading, and monthly ADO’s
Flexible working hours

Inclusion and belonging

Peter Mac celebrates, values and supports a diverse and inclusive environment which reflects our vibrant community. We encourage applications from anyone identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. We also welcome anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, linguistically, culturally and/or gender diverse, people with disability, and people of any age to apply for our roles.
Peter Mac is a child safe organisation, and we do not tolerate child abuse. We support and value all children and young people. We promote and prioritise the safety of children who are in our care or visiting our campuses.

Join us!

If you feel this role is right for you we warmly invite you to apply, and encourage your early application. All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory police check and may include vaccination requirements. Should you need assistance or require any adjustments or accommodations to fully participate in the application or interview process, you are welcome to reach out to the contact person listed. We acknowledge that not all applicants will meet the full list of selection criteria outlined, and wherever possible we will consider applications where relevant experience can apply.

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.

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

For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Georgina Ryland at georgina.ryland@petermac.org or 03 8559 6607.

Application closing date: 11:59pm Sunday 24th May 2026

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Position Summary

The Genomics Automation and Laboratory Integration Scientist will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving laboratory workflows involving liquid handling platforms and instruments that support high throughput genomic testing in the Molecular Pathology Laboratory at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. This position will work closely with clinical scientists/technicians, IT professionals, bioinformaticians and external vendors to integrate wet lab workflows with the Pathology LIS, Molecular Pathology LIMS and other software solutions used for day-to-day laboratory management.

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

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

Classification or Salary Range

Grade 2 (RY4 – RY7)

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Category A

Key Relationships

Internal	Clinicians, researchers, bioinformaticians, Molecular Genomics Core and Research Computing Facility staff, and Pathology scientists and technicians
External	Clinicians, external clients and institutions

Education

Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Medicine or Computer Science

Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Skills

Essential requirements

BSc or equivalent with specific training and / or experience in one of molecular diagnostics, computer science or software engineering.
Ability to work with diverse stakeholders to develop solutions for laboratory workflow improvement, particularly involving robotic liquid handling platforms and LIMS integration for genomics applications.
Desire to learn and understand best practice within a genomics orientated laboratory, with the aim to reduce manual laboratory processes through the application of cutting edge automation solutions.
Knowledge of APIs and other communications protocols, such as HL7, used to communicate between systems.
Experience with design and execution of validation and verification studies.
Must demonstrate ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve issues related to hardware/software/chemistry integration.
Demonstrate understanding of requirements for quality control and quality management systems to NATA ISO15189 standards.
Previous experience contributing to written documentation including standard operating procedures, and training, to ensure new processes are appropriately implement in the clinical laboratory.
Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and accurately produce results in a timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a multidisciplinary team of clinical scientists/technicians, senior scientists, pathologists, IT professionals, and bioinformaticians.

Desireable requirements

Postgraduate qualification (MSc, PhD).
Experience in diagnostic pathology with specific experience in molecular pathology.
Experience with programming language and scripting including Java, Groovy, Grails, JQuery, Linux
Experience with tools for software deployment, version control, issue tracking and documentation.
Understanding of bioinformatics pipeline and/or data analysis concepts relevant to clinical genomics.

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 ability to critically assess and evaluate new equipment, instruments, pathology products or methods. Minimal disruption to continuity of service delivery. 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. Develops and implements solutions to improve laboratory operational activities	Consults with subject matter experts in laboratory processes and informatics to identify areas for improvement. Develops innovative solutions for workflow improvement, particularly focused on reducing manual laboratory processes and increasing testing throughput. Expertise in developing protocols for liquid handling platforms for genomics applications. Knowledge of interoperability requirements for laboratory equipment/instruments and LIS/LIMS software. Liaising with software and hardware vendors regarding integration capabilities and requirements. Develops implementation plans and consults with all stakeholders for endorsement. Promotes best practices for laboratory automation and integration.
3. Operates and maintains laboratory equipment as required	All equipment is operated and maintained in accordance with laboratory manuals and procedures. Instruments have minimal down time. Validates new processes and equipment. Promptly reports procedural breakdowns, errors and incidents by means of the non-conformance reporting system. Communication with external vendors as appropriate.
4. 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 professional bodies. Maintains and develops own specialised skills. Embraces skill extension, innovation and change.

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

5. 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.
6. 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. Liaise with OHS representative.
7. 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 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.