Scientist Grade 2 Cytology

• Grade 1 & 2 Scientists
• Medical Laboratory Technicians
• Student Placements
• Trainees

• Clinicians and clients
• Other pathology scientific, technical, and administrative staff
• All other hospital employees
• Service Providers – consumable and equipment

• Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine, Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science, or equivalent qualification in Anatomical Pathology.
• Active membership with the Australian Society of Cytology, with ongoing participation in Continuing Education Credit (CEC) activities.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of cytology experience in a NATA-registered diagnostic Anatomical Pathology laboratory, including expertise in cytology specimen preparation and Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) attendance (preferably in a hospital setting).
• Proficiency in primary screening of cytology specimen slides, with the ability to thoroughly and accurately interpret abnormalities. 
• Capable of correlating cytology diagnoses with histological findings, where applicable.
• Proven experience in leading and developing high-quality cytology services, including method and equipment validation & training.
• Knowledge and application of ISO15189 standards and NPACC guidelines
• Experience in quality management, quality control and RCPA quality assurance programs.
• Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and document all laboratory processes, results, and activities in accordance with accreditation requirements.
• Participate in internal audits and inspections to maintain laboratory certification.
• Supervise, and mentor staff, providing guidance, training, and professional development to enhance their skills and performance.
• Act as a role model in laboratory best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with staff, clinicians, and researchers.
• Demonstrated continuing professional development (CPD) and ongoing commitment to keeping up to date with advances in cytology and anatomical pathology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions in a clinical laboratory environment.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities, able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ensuring professional, patient-centred care.
• Proactive approach to meeting high standards of quality, efficiency, and safety.

• International Academy of Cytology membership.
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications in management, leadership, quality, health & safety training, or information technology (IT).
• Proven experience in change management and project management.
• Prior experience with clinical trials and research, demonstrating the ability to contribute to evidence-based practices.

• Participate in departmental training and mentoring programs, ensuring all laboratory staff are formally assessed as competent in their roles, with relevant training records completed and maintained.
• Actively participate and ensure that annual competencies for laboratory staff are managed and completed on time, in compliance with departmental guidelines.
• Supervise, manage, and provide direction to staff, ensuring that team members are performing to required standards and providing high-quality service.
• Support the team by identifying and addressing performance gaps and ensuring staff members receive necessary training and support.
• Ensure that staff training is appropriate, complete, and compliant with departmental requirements, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Lead teams effectively and motivate staff to meet the service demands of the laboratory, ensuring high-quality results and outcomes.

• Foster and support a workplace culture that encourages change, learning, and innovation while promoting a team-based approach to achieving departmental goals.
• Encourage collaboration, open communication, and problem-solving across all teams to create a supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to troubleshoot issues as they arise, ensuring that problems are addressed promptly and do not impact the quality of results.
• Work collaboratively with staff and stakeholders to identify root causes of issues and implement solutions that enhance reproducibility and reliability of results.
• Ensure that all staff members have agreed training and development plans in place, enabling them to develop new skills and capabilities that align with department needs and personal career goals.
• Maintain a record of CPD activities and encourage staff to develop and expand their professional knowledge and expertise

• Comply with protocols and safety procedures designed to minimise accidents and injuries, ensuring a safe working environment for all staff.
• Report hazards or incidents promptly.
• Ensure laboratory operations comply with all relevant occupational health and safety (OHS) legislative and regulatory requirements, including risk assessments and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Conduct regular reviews and audits of laboratory processes to ensure continuous compliance with safety standards and identify areas for improvement.
• Implement preventative safety measures to reduce risks related to laboratory equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and general laboratory practices.

Manages continuous improvement and quality program

• Actively participate in quality assurance programs to maintain high standards of performance and reliability.
• Develop, implement, and monitored quality systems as outlined in NPACC and ISO standards.
• Conduct thorough investigations into incidents and procedural breakdowns, documenting and reporting findings via the quality management system.
• Ensure that all validation processes are thoroughly documented, providing evidence of compliance with best practices and regulatory guidelines.
• Ensured all documentation met NPACC and NATA standards, maintaining consistency and compliance.
• Contributed to continuous improvement processes by identifying workflow efficiencies and implementing operational enhancements.