Microbiology Scientist, Shift

Queensland Government; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

12.75% superannuation

17.5% leave loading

Employee wellbeing

Professional development

Job summary

Queensland Health is seeking a Microbiology Scientist to contribute to high-quality pathology service delivery in the Microbiology Department. You will perform molecular testing for respiratory viruses, routine bacteriology, microscopy, and participate in after-hours rosters with training across all sections.

You will ensure compliance with NATA/ISO standards, engage in quality control and participate in ongoing professional development to support excellence in service delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science) or equivalent.
• Ability to prioritise specimens, perform tests accurately and work independently.
• Ability to read bacterial culture plates and determine antimicrobial susceptibility.
• Ability to perform microscopy including Gram stain and cell counts.
• Apply principles to provide results and clinical advice in a client-focused manner.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to delivery of high-quality pathology service in Microbiology.
• Perform molecular testing for respiratory viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) and routine bacteriology.
• Participate in after-hours roster, weekends and shifts; rotate across sections with training.
• Maintain compliance with NATA/ISO accreditation through QC activities and reporting.
• Engage in professional development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Prioritise specimens

Microbiology expertise

Microscopy (Gram stain)

Antimicrobial susceptibility

Clinical advice

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science)

Job description

What you'll doAs the Microbiology Scientist, you will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, efficient and client-focused pathology service within the Microbiology Department at Princess Alexandra Hospital. You will exercise sound judgement and discretion in managing workloads, prioritising tasks and ensuring the quality of your work while performing a range of diagnostic activities, including molecular testing for respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, routine bacteriology culture reading and microscopy, and, where required, serology and mycology testing. The role involves participation in an after-hours roster, including weekends and afternoon/evening shifts, and requires rotation across all sections of the Microbiology Department following appropriate training and in line with operational requirements. You will maintain compliance with NATA/ISO accreditation and certification standards through quality control activities and statistical reporting, while actively participating in professional development and educational initiatives to support continuous improvement and excellence in service delivery.About youWe are searching for someone who has:a Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science) degree, or an equivalent qualification.Knowledge, expertise and skill in the delivery of scientific judgement within the discipline of Microbiology.Demonstrated ability to prioritise specimens, to perform tests accurately and efficiently without direct supervision and to work independently towards the logical solution of scientific and technical problems.Demonstrated ability (or ability to rapidly acquire the skill) to read bacterial culture plates, determine antimicrobial susceptibility and perform organism identification.Demonstrated ability (or ability to rapidly acquire the skill) to perform microscopy (including Gram stain and cell counts) of all sample types received in the Microbiology laboratory.Ability to apply established principles to a Microbiology service with provision of results and clinical advice in a client focused manner.Ability to build and maintain appropriate relationships with team members, clients and stakeholders.Ability (or ability to rapidly acquire the skill) to identify, develop and implement quality and service improvement activities in accordance with National Association of Testing Authorities and International Organisation of Standardisation (NATA/ISO) accreditation/certification.Why work with us?Work alongside passionate professionals in a supportive and inclusive environment that values people and prioritises employee success and wellbeing. This includesCompetitive salaries12.75% superannuation17.5% leave loadingEmployee wellbeingAccess to 24/7 confidential employee support providers and counsellors including for immediate family membersAdditional flexibility to support your work life balance including access to generous leave entitlements, such as purchased leave, domestic violence leave, reproductive health leave, cultural leave, study and examination leave.Professional developmentCareer progression with more than 300 diverse career pathways and career support to take you further!Access to a variety of programs and initiatives to support training and career growth.Grow your skills through hands-on experience and access to internal training opportunities and additional financial and leave benefits for approved external training and development.Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusionAt Queensland Health, our work environment is inclusive and supportive, and we value our employees. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all cultures, abilities and backgrounds.Our commitment to cultural safety, equity, diversity and inclusion means we understand some people may need changes to the recruitment process. If you need support during the recruitment process, such as meeting with the panel virtually instead of in person, please reach out to the hiring manager. We value diverse candidates and your need for adjustments will not affect our hiring decisions.Ready to apply?For further information on how to apply please review the attached Role Description.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.