Dissection Scientist - Anatomical Pathology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging options

Up to 12 additional days off per year

In-house training

Health & wellbeing programs

Job summary

NSW Health Pathology's Anatomical Pathology Department at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle seeks a skilled Dissection Scientist to join the team. The role focuses on pre-analytical work and dissection within a busy diagnostic laboratory serving surgical patients across the Hunter region.

You will collaborate with pathologists, registrars and specimen reception, perform direct transfer and dissection with accurate description and dictation, and ensure patient safety and quality compliance under

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science/Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent qualification.
• Post-graduate study in specimen dissection and/or experience with non-complex and complex dissection.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with term familiarity for specimen dissection.
• High initiative, self-directed learning and a commitment to ongoing development.
• Sound decision making with safe specimen handling and patient safety.
• Able to work collaboratively and independently with escalation as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-analytical processes and dissection as part of Anatomical Pathology.
• Work with specimen reception and cut-up areas to support daily operations.
• Handle specimen triage, direct transfer and cases requiring follow-up with requestors.
• Independently perform specimen transfer and dissection with description and dictation.
• Comply with NSWHP, RCPA, NPAAC and ISO 15189 guidelines.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Initiative

Decision making

Patient safety

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science/Medical Laboratory Science

Post-graduate study in specimen dissection

Job description

Dissection Scientist - Anatomical Pathology

Employment Type:PermanentFull 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.

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.

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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.