Scientist Grade 3- Molecular Laboratory Operations High Throughput Sequencing

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. This position will lead the high throughput sequencing (HTS) team and requires strong technical expertise in next generation sequencing (NGS), excellent organisational skills, and the ability to operate within a high-throughput, fast-paced laboratory environment.

Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Work collaboratively to support the operational requirements of the Molecular Pathology laboratory, coordinating the HTS team, and liaising with senior scientists and pathologists to prioritise workflows and ensure efficient daily operations.
• Optimise laboratory infrastructure and resource allocation to maintain service delivery.
• Oversee rostered teams, ensuring clinical turnaround times and service continuity are met.
• Champion innovation and efficiency in all laboratory processes including the automation and streamlining of assay workflows, and improving data handling processes.
• Lead continuous improvement projects to enhance test performance including but not limited to introduction of new equipment or methods, LIS/LIMS workflow management and high-throughput automation relevant to HTS assays. 
• Engage with multidisciplinary teams to identify areas for new Molecular Pathology services.
• Uphold quality management principles, continuous improvement initiatives, and compliance with NATA ISO15189 accreditation standards.
• Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures.
• Mentor and train staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Promote clear communication between laboratory management and staff.
• Adhere to Occupational Health and Safety policies, ensuring a safe working environment.
• Maintain expertise through active participation in departmental and research meetings, seminars, and national/international forums.
• Conduct all duties with professionalism, integrity, and ethical responsibility.

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 3 (RY9 – RZ3)

Immunisation Risk Category

 Immunisation Category A

Key Relationships

Education

Skills

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

Key Accountabilities

1.Ensuring both externally and internally provided molecular pathology services meet the clinical needs of the Institute’s patients, as defined by the Heads of Molecular Pathology

• Demonstrated experience and competence to make independent analytical decisions in the performance and understanding of a wide range of diagnostic tests or procedures or of complex tests.
• Mentoring and/or 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.
• Smooth and efficient laboratory operation including management of inventory, laboratory infrastructure, equipment and assay workflows. 
• 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.

2.Ensuring a high quality NGS service with a commitment to process improvement and best practice for the Molecular Pathology laboratory

• Champion innovation and efficiency by optimising NGS workflows, including automation, process streamlining, and data management improvements.
• Work with Team Leader(s) to develop and refine NGS assay workflows, ensuring timely processing and adherence to clinical turnaround times.
• Maintain expert knowledge of assay chemistry and sequencing technologies used within the HTS team.
• Proactively troubleshoot and resolve NGS workflow-related technical issues to minimise disruptions to service delivery.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) to maintain high-quality standards in NGS operations.
• Involvement in quality improvement activities including workflow audits and competency assessment.

3.Operates and maintains laboratory equipment as required

• Instruments are maintained and have minimal down time.
• Minimal disruption to continuity of service delivery.
• Identifies, develops, validates and implements new molecular tests technologies.         

4.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.
   

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

5.Recognizes and reports any clinically significant results to the appropriate staff member and any laboratory problems to senior scientific staff

• Demonstrated ability to 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.

6.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 HGSA or equivalent professional body.
• Maintains and develops own specialised skills.
• Embraces skill extension, innovation and change.

7.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.
• Promote efficient teamwork and multi-skilling across all areas of molecular pathology. 
• Ensure staff adequately skilled and documented as such to perform the required tests accurately.
• Document that staff receive training, multi-skilling and skill extension where appropriate.
• Documentation that staff participate in continuous education programs.

8.Maintain safe working practices and a safe working environment

• Implement measures designed to minimise accidents and injuries (in consultation with Team Leaders and Principal Scientists 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.