Scientist Grade 1 – Molecular Pathology Analyst

Date: 25 Jun 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: 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
Scientist Grade 1 – Molecular Pathology Analyst
Full Time Fixed Term Role

• 3 Month, Fixed Term Role
• 80 hours / Fortnight with ADO
• Salary Range $63K-$91K Pro Rata.

The Molecular Pathology Laboratory in the Department of Pathology is looking for a Grade 1 Medical Scientist to join our Familial Cancer team and to help support the molecular diagnostic services. The 3-month fixed term full-time position presents an exciting opportunity to gain experience in this rapidly growing field.

Suitable candidates must be highly motivated, self-driven, patient-focused, and possess a relevant science degree with genetics and molecular biology experience. Experience working in an accredited Diagnostic Molecular Pathology/Genetics laboratory, and subject matter expertise in the subdiscipline of familial cancer genomics would be an advantage.

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: Victoria Beshay
Contact Number: 8559 8403
Email: victoria.beshay@petermac.org

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.

Applications Close: 11:59pm Wednesday 09 July 2025

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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):

Analysis & review of results and report authorisation as directed by Team Leader(s) responsible for section.
Maintain knowledge of medical/scientific literature relevant to the laboratory’s testing programme.
Training & proficiency sign-off of staff in new methodologies.
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

Classification or Salary Range

Medical Scientist Grade 1 Year 1-7 (RX1 - RX7)

Immunisation Risk Category

Category A

Key Relationships

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

Education

Bachelor of Science in Medical Science or Genetics

Skills

Essential requirements

BSc or equivalent with experience in molecular diagnostics.
Experience and competency in the analysis and reporting of both NGS-based and non-NGS based diagnostic testing.
An understanding of the principles of variant curation, HGVS nomenclature and interpretation of genomic results in relevant clinical context.
Experience with laboratory quality systems (Qpulse experience preferred).
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.

Desirable requirements

Relevant Professional Society Membership (eg. HGSA).
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.	Competence to make independent analytical decisions in the performance and understanding of a wide range of diagnostic tests or procedures or of complex tests Training of undergraduate and graduate scientific staff within laboratory protocols 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 and quality assurance according to laboratory, NATA ISO15189 standards and protocols.
2. 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.
3. Recognizes and reports any clinically significant results to the appropriate staff member and any laboratory problems to senior scientific staff.	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.
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 through the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists, or equivalent professional body Maintains and develops own specialised skills. Embraces skill extension, innovation and change.

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

Key Accountabilities	Demonstrated By/Key Performance Indicators
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.	Identifies 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.
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.