Dissection Scientist - Anatomical Pathology

NSW Health Pathology; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 79,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Additional leave days

In-house training (RTO My Health Learn

Fitness Passport gym discounts

Job summary

NSW Health Pathology is seeking a skilled Medical Laboratory Dissection Scientist to join the Anatomical Pathology Department at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. The role emphasizes pre-analytical work, dissection, and collaboration with the pathology team to support surgical patient testing across the region.

The successful candidate will hold a science degree with pathology-specific training and demonstrate strong communication and initiative in a busy laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Science/Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent qualification.
• Post graduate study in specimen dissection and/or extensive proficiency in specimen dissection and direct transfer.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-analytical tasks and dissection of specimens.
• Triage, transfer and dissection under supervision of senior staff.
• Maintain documentation with description and dictation for specimens.
• Collaborate with Anatomical Pathology team to support daily operations.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Initiative

Teamwork

Specimen handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science/Medical Laboratory Science

Post graduate study in specimen dissection

Job description

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Position Classification: Scientific Officer

Remuneration: $79,433.52 - $113,298.98 per annum plus superannuation

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ705719

Location: John Hunter Hospital

Applications Close: 23 November 2026 - 11:59pm

About The Opportunity

NSW Health Pathology is currently seeking a skilled Medical Laboratory Dissection Scientist to join the Anatomical Pathology Department at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. Operating in a busy and dynamic environment, the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory conducts tests for surgical patients across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region.

If you're driven and thrive in a team environment, we encourage you to submit your application today!

Nestled on the beautiful, sun-drenched eastern coastline of New South Wales, just over two hours north of Sydney, Newcastle is a vibrant city bursting with things to do. Spectacular beaches and coastal scenery, with ocean baths and some of the country’s best surfing spots, are only just the start. Then there’s a dedication to coffee to attract envious glances from Melbourne.

What You'll Be Doing

The Dissection Scientist is a specialized role focusing on the pre-analytical and cut-up aspects of Anatomical Pathology. They work as a member of the Anatomical Pathology team reporting to the SHS in Charge of Anatomical Pathology with specific accountabilities to the supervising Pathologist and senior registrars for specimen management including triage, direct transfer and dissection.

The Dissection Scientist will work closely with staff working in the specimen reception and cut-up areas, supporting the safe and efficient daily operation of that space.

The incumbent will be involved in all aspects of specimen reception and specimen triage including but not limited to fresh and fixed specimens, shared / split specimens and cases requiring follow up with requestors. They will also participate in the return of specimens to patients.

The incumbent will independently perform specimen direct transfer and dissection with appropriate description and dictation.

They will perform their role within the policy and procedure framework developed in consideration of NSWHP, RCPA, NPAAC and ISO 15189 requirements.

What We Can Offer You

• Financial Benefits - Generous salary packaging options and other fringe benefits
• Work-life Balance - Up to 12 additional days off per year in addition to Annual Leave (for full-time employees)
• Professional Growth - Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training with RTO My Health Learning
• Health & Wellbeing - Fitness Passport gym discounts and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and families.

• Bachelors Degree in Science/Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent qualification, with subjects relevant to Anatomical Pathology practice.
• Post graduate study in specimen dissection and/or extensive substantiated proficiency performing non-complex and complex specimen dissection and direct transfer in a diagnostic anatomical pathology laboratory.
• Must demonstrate a high level of written and verbal communication and be familiar with terminology required for specimen dissection.
• Must exhibit a high level of initiative, be self directed and demonstrate a personal commitment and history of ongoing learning and development.
• Must demonstrate sound decision making capability with an unblemished track record in relation to specimen handling and patient safety in the context of the role.
• Must be able to work as a collaborative team member and autonomously, recognizing limits and escalation requirments for the role.
• Must have a sound understanding of the framework and guidelines pertaining to pre-analytical and specimen cut-up requirements in a diagnostic laboratory.
• Must be flexible to service and patient needs and committed to quality and customer service improvement.

More principles and policies are being established to support hiring managers identify AI formed responses. We may not progress applications if we don’t feel you have spoken to your own experiences and demonstrated your capabilities without AI assistance.

Information for applicants

• NSW Health Pathology is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We value, and welcome all suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, background, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
• NSW Health Pathology is committed to providing accessibility and reasonable accommodations and ensuring our recruitment process is flexible, inclusive, and free from barriers, promoting equal opportunities for all to succeed. Please reach out if you need adjustments.
• NSW Health Pathology is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce in public health. For Aboriginal candidates, support is available through the Stepping Up website
• You must have valid working rights in Australia for the duration of the appointment to be eligible to apply.
• All workers must meet NSW Health’s vaccination and screening requirements before starting employment. See PD2026_004 for more detail. The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a functional assessment prior to appointment.
• An eligibility list may be created for similar vacancies in the future.
• We encourage applicants to submit responses that reflect their own experiences and perspectives.

• For role related queries or questions contact Patricia Lusby on [e-mail]

To learn more about NSWHP please visit “Life at NSW Health Pathology” or connect with us on LinkedIn!