NSW Newborn Screening Programme - Principal Scientific Officer

Sydney Children's Hospitals Network; Sydney; On-site; AUD 171,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work opportunities

Salary packaging

Meal entertainment benefits

Accrued days off (ADOs)

Fitness passport

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Job summary

The NSW Newborn Screening (NBS) Programme, based at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, screens all newborns in NSW and the ACT for inherited metabolic disorders. The Principal Scientist for NBS will oversee laboratory quality, performance and act as the scientific representative nationally and internationally.

They will drive service development, manage change aligned with quality principles, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality care for children and families.

Qualifications

• The NSW Newborn Screening (NBS) Programme operates the State Reference Laboratory in Westmead and screens newborns for metabolic disorders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the quality and performance of all aspects of the NBS laboratory.
• Act as the scientific representative of the laboratory at state, national and international levels.
• Drive development of services to meet customer needs and manage change in line with quality principles.

Job description

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Position Classification: Principal Scientific Off

Remuneration: 170690.71 - 209787.59 full-time equivalent base salary range (+12% super + 17.5% leave loading and salary packaging)

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ692017

Location: Westmead

Applications Close: Midnight on 11 October 2026

For role related queries or questions contact: Ingrid Prammer on [e-mail]

At the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, every role helps children and young people live their healthiest lives. As the largest paediatric health service in Australia, we care for thousands of children each year, in hospital and at home. Our people are united by compassion, collaboration and excellence in care.

What You’ll Be Doing

The NSW Newborn Screening (NBS) Programme, situated in The Children's Hospital at Westmead, includes the State Reference Laboratory which screens all newborns in NSW and the ACT for the detection of over 30 inborn errors of metabolism. The Department also provides an advisory service for the further investigation, monitoring and management of patients detected with a disorder by the screening tests, as well as specialised services to interstate and overseas reference laboratories.

The PSO for NBS will be responsible for the quality and performance of all aspects of the NBS laboratory and will be the scientific representative of the laboratory at state, national and international levels. They should have a thorough knowledge of the scientific aspects of newborn screening and be abreast of technology changes in order to be able to bring innovation into the laboratory.

They will be expected to drive the development of services to meet the needs of the customer and to manage and implement change in accordance with quality principles.

The Principal Scientist will work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary health care team and consumers of the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network to effectively deliver services.

The Principal Scientist provides role modelling, mentorship and leadership in the achievement of excellence in clinical practice, ensuring that Departmental:

• Resources are focussed on delivering excellent clinical care to children and supporting their families.
• Research and teaching is at a high standard.
• Plans are in line with SCHN, MOH and federal government strategic directions and congruent with financial resources.
• Activities include advocacy for children and the clinical service.
• Quality activities are implemented and a collaborative culture is developed with staff and consumers.
• Meets NATA and NPAAC requirements

Additional Benefits (where applicable)

Flexible work opportunities, Salary packaging and meal entertainment benefits, accrued days off (ADOs), fitness passport, employee assistance program (EAP)

Child Safe Standards

SCHN is committed to maintaining a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, in line with NSW Health’s commitment to the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Additional Information

SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity, recognising that a diverse workforce strengthens our culture and enhances the care we provide to children, young people and their families.

Permanent NSW Health roles require Australian citizenship or permanent residency. Temporary visa holders may be considered where no suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident is identified.

NSW Health vaccination and screening requirements must be met prior to commencement.

This position requires a Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Office of the Children’s Guardian.

Where required, overseas qualifications must be formally assessed by the Department of Education or relevant authority for recognition in Australia.

An Eligibility List may be created for future permanent and temporary full or part time vacancies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. We recognise the value of Aboriginal staff providing health care to Aboriginal children and families. For application support, visit the NSW Health Aboriginal Recruitment tool, Stepping Up to assist in preparing your application, or contact the SCHN’s Aboriginal Workforce Consultant at [e-mail]

For technical support please contact 1300 679 367

Learn more about The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network

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