Medical Laboratory Scientist - Dissection Scientist

NSW Health; Wollongong City Council; On-site; AUD 79,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging options

Additional days off per year

In-house training

Gym discounts & EAP

Job summary

NSW Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist – Dissection Scientist at Wollongong Hospital. The role supports an Anatomical Pathology team with essential duties in dissection and specimen handling, contributing to patient diagnoses and care.

The position is a Temporary Full Time arrangement (up to 12 months) with 38 hours per week, offering a competitive salary and superannuation. Applicants must have relevant qualifications and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science/Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent.
• Post graduate study in specimen dissection and/or extensive proficiency in non‑complex and complex dissection.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and autonomously with initiative.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and development.
• Understanding of pre-analytical and specimen cut‑up requirements in a diagnostic lab.

Responsibilities

• Dissection Scientist focuses on pre‑analytical and cut‑up in Anatomical Pathology.
• Lead the team in specimen reception and cut‑up areas for safe, efficient daily operation.
• Involve in specimen reception and triage including fresh/fixed specimens and follow up with requestors.
• Independently perform specimen direct transfer and dissection with proper description and dictation.
• Work within NSWHP, RCPA, NPAAC and ISO 15189 guidelines.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team leadership

Collaboration

Specimen handling

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Science/Medical Laboratory Science

Post graduate study in specimen dissection

Job description

Medical Laboratory Scientist - Dissection Scientist

Employment Type:TemporaryFull Time up to 12 months (with potential of ongoing employment)

Position Classification:Scientific Officer

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

Hours Per Week:38

Requisition ID:REQ706278

Location:Wollongong Hospital

Applications Close:15 November 2026 - 11:59pm

About the opportunity

Looking for a rewarding laboratory career? Be part of a dedicated Anatomical Pathology team where your expertise directly contributes to patient diagnoses, treatment decisions, and improved health outcomes.

Located on the stunning NSW South Coast, the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory at Wollongong Hospital provides a supportive and collaborative environment dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare to our community. Wollongong offers the perfect balance of coastal lifestyle, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, making it a great place to live and work. At NSW Health Pathology, we foster an inclusive and welcoming workplace where staff are encouraged to grow, develop their skills, and achieve their career aspirations while contributing to meaningful patient care every day.

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 for specimen management including triage, direct transfer and dissection.

In addition, the Dissection Scientist will be the team leader for staff working in the specimen reception and cut-up areas, overseeing 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.

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

• 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.

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.