NSW Newborn Screening Programme - Principal Scientific Officer

NSW Health; 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

NSW Health's Newborn Screening Programme at Westmead seeks a Principal Scientific Officer to lead the laboratory's quality and performance. The role acts as its scientific representative at state, national, and international levels, driving service development and change with a strong focus on quality standards.

Collaborating with the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and other stakeholders, you will mentor staff and ensure delivery of excellence in clinical practice and patient care.

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory quality assurance and newborn screening is desirable.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and quality standards relevant to paediatric services.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality and performance of the NSW Newborn Screening laboratory.
• Act as 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.
• Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality care for children.

Job description

NSW Newborn Screening Programme - Principal Scientific Officer

Employment Type:PermanentFull 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 **************@health.nsw.gov.au

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.

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.