Scientist Grade 3 – Molecular Pathology Rapid Testing

Principal supervision:

• Team Lead Molecular Preanalytics and Rapid Testing

Regular consultation:

• Head of Molecular Haematology
• Team Lead, Wilson Blood Cancer Genomics
• Team Lead, Laboratory Operations
• Principal Scientist, Molecular Pathology
• Medical Haematopathology team

​​​​​​​Liaises with:

• Clinicians and other researchers
• Pathology scientists as appropriate

• Liaises with external clients and institutions

• PhD or equivalent with specific training in molecular techniques
• Experience as a Medical Scientist in an accredited Diagnostic Molecular Pathology/Genetics laboratory
• Demonstrated experience in high-throughput diagnostic molecular techniques
• Demonstrated experience and competency in the performance and understanding of a wide range of molecular techniques including but not limited to ddPCR, QPCR, NGS workflows 
• Experience with designing, optimising and validation of new assays
• Interpersonal attributes necessary to organise staff, develop staff skills across laboratory disciplines and 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 critically assess and evaluate new equipment, instruments or products relevant to the diagnostic work of their laboratory 
• Demonstrated ability to present work, write protocols and maintain documentation

• Relevant Professional Society Membership and Fellowship (eg. HGSA, FFSc (RCPA)) 
• Manuscript publication
• Statistical analysis and data interpretation

• Demonstrated by participation in independent research project within the program
• Publication and presentation of research work as appropriate
• Involvement in grant submissions
• Demonstrated experience and competence to make independent analytical decisions in the performance and understanding of a wide range of molecular techniques
• Demonstrated ability to critically assess and evaluate new equipment, instruments, pathology products or methods
• Mentoring and/or training of undergraduate and graduate scientific staff
• Keeps patient information confidential
• Monitors, and adheres to key performance indicators

• Management and coordination of scientific and technical staff involved in the performance and reporting of NGS, non-NGS and novel assays
• Providing molecular testing in the area of molecular haematology by use of various techniques including real-time PCR, HRM, fragment analysis and DNA sequencing
• Generation of clinical reports for molecular assays
• Smooth and efficient operation of daily workflow, including specimen receipt, tracking, test performance and reporting as required for the laboratory
• Training of junior staff
• 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
• Ensures all documentation is completed including procedures, maintenance records and quality assurance procedures according to laboratory, NATA ISO15189 standards and protocols

• 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

• 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
• Validates new processes and equipment
• Participates where appropriate in internal and external QA programs
• Promptly reports and investigates procedural breakdowns, errors and incidents by means of the non-conformance reporting system
• 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 recongnised through the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists or equivalent progessional body
• Maintains and develops own specialised skills
• Embraces skill extension, innovation and change

• 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

• 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

• Acts in accordance with Peter Mac Policy
• Acts in accordance with the Australian Insitute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) professional code of conduct
• Compliance with NPAAC guidelines for nucleic acid testing
• Undergoes performance appraisals in accordance with Peter Mac guidelines