Team Leader Wilson Blood Cancer Genomics – Molecular Pathology

Team Leader > Laboratory Operations

Clinicians, genetic counsellors, researchers, and pathology scientists

Essential

• 10 years or more of proven experience in molecular diagnostics with a relevant science degree.
• Must demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, enthusiasm and initiative on a daily basis.
• Must have ability to work in fast-paced environment. Attention to detail is critical.
•  Proven delivery of diagnostic genomics techniques and analysis, particularly (but not limited to) high-throughput genetics, somatic and germline genetics and variant curation.
• Proven delivery of development, validation and implementation of genomic assays into a diagnostic setting, as per NPAAC/NATA ISO15189 requirements.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of human germline and/or somatic genetic testing, in a diagnostic pathology environment.
• Proven delivery of a broad range of molecular techniques and molecular diagnostic automation.
• Proven delivery in designing, optimising & validating new molecular assays in automated sequencing, genotyping, real-time PCR to ISO15189
• Recognised scientific training and competence relevant to the position including knowledge in analytical methods and information systems (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Access) including mutation or molecular analysis tool (Mutation Surveyor, Gene Mapper, Alamut etc) and understanding of publicly available knowledge databases for curation (e.g. COSMIC, ClinVAR, CiVic etc).
• Appropriate experience and knowledge of molecular pathology.
• Proven delivery in running a molecular pathology laboratory including knowledge and experience in laboratory services, quality systems, information technology, diagnostic testing, results interpretation, research, laboratory administration and management and other professional activities related to human genetics
• Professional approach to patient care, service confidentiality and provision of pathology/testing services.
• 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.
• Proven ability to generate and maintain business cases to establish new testing services in collaboration with external collaborators.
• Demonstrated ability to present work, write protocols and manuscripts (the latter for publication).
• Demonstrated ability to provide testing for clinical trials to GCP.
• Demonstrated ability to provide a cost to serve for tests
• Demonstrated ability to test and implement laboratory information systems, middleware and reporting software.Demonstrated ability to report cancer molecular pathology tests (especially NGS based approaches and the data interpretation thereof) and to train scientists and curators in this discipline

Desirable

• Membership of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) or another relevant post-graduate qualification.
• PhD in molecular pathology, Fellowship of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (FGHSA) or Fellowship of the Faculty of Science, RCPA (FFSc) in molecular pathology.
• Fellowship of a relevant professional society.
• Track record of publications/presentations in molecular pathology

• 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.

• Maintain service performance targets such that they meet Peter Mac, NPACC and NATA requirements.
• The resources allocated to molecular pathology are managed so that the laboratory’s clients are satisfied that the service meets the clinical needs of their patients.
• Smooth and efficient operation of daily workflow, including specimen receipt, tracking, processing, preparation & reports, including all out of hours work.
• Liaison with external providers and clients.
• Instruments are maintained and have minimal down time.
• In consultation with the Principal Scientist maintains appropriate key performance indicators (KPI) for all aspects of molecular pathology testing (including reporting).
• Ensures KPI’s & quality metrics for the molecular pathology laboratory are met / exceeded.
• Collaborate with clinical laboratory members to evaluate, develop, validate and implement new diagnostic assays to NPAAC/NATA ISO15189 standards according to patient, client and business needs.
• New opportunities are explored, defined and documented as business cases.

2. Laboratory staff are multiskilled across all the relevant activities in molecular pathology (including genetics and haematology).

• Staff are appropriately skilled such that there is continuity of service delivery.
• Documentation that staff receive continuous needs assessment, training, multiskilling and skill extension.
• Documentation that staff participate in continuous education programmes

3. Laboratory staff are appropriately supervised and managed.

• Conducts performance appraisals in accordance with Institute policies.
• Staff act in accordance with the Institute’s Employee Code of Conduct and the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists’ Code of Professional Conduct.
• Manages human resources issues in accordance with the Institute’s policies.
• Timely rostering of duties, leave and over-time work.

4. Supports a workplace culture that encourages change, learning, innovation and a team-based approach.

• Successful implementation of new technologies, tests and workplace practices.
• Implements new approaches to achieve better integration of service delivery.
• Supports and collaborates with departmental researchers and other parties to generate improved outcomes for patients with cancer.

5. Manages a continuous improvement and quality program.

• Perform designated medical testing procedures as outlined in methods and procedures, ensuring adherence to NPAAC/NATA ISO15189 requirements.
• Supervises and participates in internal and external quality assurance programs.
• Develop, implement & monitor quality systems that meet the requirements of relevant accreditation bodies.
• Promptly and thoroughly investigates and reports all incidents and procedural breakdowns via Quality systems
• All documentation maintained to NPAAC & NATA standards.
• Yearly review of service to ensure fit for purpose: implement improvement processes to identify workflow efficiencies and improvements.

6. Effective working relationship the Principal Scientist of Molecular Pathology and Ops Director Pathology.

• Communicates and resolves issues including scientific, management or administrative problems.

7. Assist with Molecular Pathology administrative and finance processes.

• Authorise expenditure and invoice payments on molecular pathology cost centres.
• Authorise timesheets and staff leave forms on molecular pathology cost centres.
• Laboratory costs are reviewed & minimized where appropriate.
• Ensure all billing is correctly coded in Auslab to allow prompt action.
• Ensure all non-HSA work is identified, tracked and promptly actioned for cost recovery.

8. Maintains safe working practices and a safe working environment.

• Implements measures designed to minimize accidents and injuries with preventative measures.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with relevant OH&S legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Liaison with OH&S Representative.