Scientist Grade 1 – Molecular Pathology Wetlab

• BSc or equivalent with experience in molecular diagnostics
• Experience in diagnostic pathology with specific experience in high-throughput diagnostic molecular pathology
• Experience and competency in the performance and understanding of a wide range of diagnostic tests, procedures, or of complex and specialised tests including but not limited to Sanger sequencing, MLPSA, NGS workflows, ddPCR, HRM etc
• Experience with laboratory quality systems (Qpulse experience preferred)
• Experience with preparing and maintaining NATA documentation
• Experience with designing, optimising and validation of new assays
• 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
• Ability to meet the clinical expectations of client
• 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 

• 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

• 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 management of resources so that the laboratory’s clients are satisfied the service meets the clinical needs of their patients and test results / reports are issued with clinically acceptable turnaround times
• 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 daily workflow including specimen receipt, tracking, test performance, rostering 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, maintenance records and quality assurance procedures according to laboratory, NATA ISO15189 standards and protocols

• 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

• 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

• 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

5. 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

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. 

• 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
• Liaison with OHS representative

8. 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