Principal Scientist / Department Manager - Molecular Genetics and Genomics

Melbourne Pathology; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Melbourne Pathology seeks a Principal Scientist / Department Manager to lead the genomics laboratory, developing and validating new molecular genetics tests and coordinating variant analysis alongside the clinical reporting team.

You will drive accreditation, quality assurance, and collaboration within the Sonic Genetics network, ensuring high-quality diagnostic genomic services while supporting education and change management for Victorians.

Qualifications

• BSc with specialisation in molecular genetics and genomics.
• A relevant fellowship (e.g., FFSc (RCPA), FHGSA) and/or a PhD in an area relevant to the role is required for principal scientist supervision requirements.
• Significant relevant experience in a diagnostic genomics laboratory or a research position in genomic medicine.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills in a large clinical genomics laboratory.
• Interpersonal skills which facilitate effective interaction and communication in diverse scenarios.
• Experience in genetic screening and diagnostic genomic testing.
• Evidence of the successful implementation of service improvement initiatives.
• Strong expertise in variant interpretation and classification in germline and/or somatic areas.
• Knowledge and expertise in secondary and tertiary analysis pipelines is desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge and competency in a wide range of molecular genetics or genomics techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in the evaluation, initiation and development of new applicable laboratory procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot and provide expert advice in laboratory procedures and results analysis.
• Experience in establishing professional standards for regulatory or certification purposes.
• Experience in developing and managing external QA programs in genetics and genomics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the genomics laboratory.
• Oversee instrument setup and validation of new tests.
• Develop, validate, and accredit new genomics tests.
• Establish variant analysis pipelines and interpretation framework.
• Collaborate within the Sonic Genetics network.

Skills

Molecular genetics

Genomics

Leadership

Regulatory / QA programs

Variant interpretation

Genomic testing

Communication skills

Education

BSc in molecular genetics and genomics

Fellowship FFSc (RCPA) or FHGSA

PhD (relevant area)

Job description

Principal Scientist / Department Manager - Molecular Genetics and Genomics

Melbourne Pathology is one of Victoria’s largest diagnostic pathology laboratories, committed to providing high-quality healthcare throughout metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria, and interstate. We are part of the Sonic network of laboratories nationally and globally.

Melbourne Pathology operates from a 24-hour laboratory in Collingwood and supports 10 branch laboratories around Victoria. We provide comprehensive services to more than two million patients each year. *The laboratory will relocate to a centre of excellence at Docklands with a custom designed molecular genetics and genomics laboratory in mid 2027.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate, to move with us to the new location and be responsible for the development of further genomic testing for Victorians. The applicant must be an adopter of innovation, enthusiastic about education, flexible with change, and display the interpersonal skills of communication and collaboration. They will be expected to uphold our philosophy honouring the doctor-patient relationship and consistently deliver the highest levels of service quality, professionalism and best practice medical care.

Main duties/responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead the genomics laboratory at Melbourne Pathology. This will include laboratory oversight, instrument set up, developing, validating, and accrediting new genomics tests, case analysis including establishment of variant analysis pipelines, variant interpretation framework, and clinical reporting. Work in collaborative clinical, operational and business development framework within the local entity and as part of the national network of Sonic Genetics.

Position requirements

• BSc with specialisation in molecular genetics and genomics
• A relevant fellowship (e.g., FFSc (RCPA), FHGSA) and/or; a PhD in an area relevant to the role is required for principal scientist supervision requirements
• Significant relevant experience in a diagnostic genomics laboratory or a research position in genomic medicine.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills in a large clinical genomics laboratory.
• Interpersonal skills which facilitate effective interaction and communication in diverse scenarios.
• Experience in genetic screening and diagnostic genomic testing
• Evidence of the successful implementation of service improvement initiatives.
• Strong expertise in variant interpretation and classification in germline and/or somatic areas
• Knowledge and expertise in secondary and tertiary analysis pipelines is desirable
• Demonstrated knowledge and competency in a wide range of molecular genetics or genomics techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in the evaluation, initiation and development of new applicable laboratory procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot and provide expert advice in laboratory procedures and results analysis.
• Experience in establishing professional standards for regulatory or certification purposes.
• Experience in developing and managing external QA programs in genetics and genomics.

In addition to addressing the position requirements, please include the following:

• Confirmation of your current residency and right to work in Australia
• Notice period required to commence employment

Why work with us?

• Make your mark launching the genomics laboratory in the new Docklands centre of excellence
• Dynamic and flexible working environment accommodating work-life balance
• Paid parental leave
• Supported ongoing training and career development
• Employee Rewards and Employee Assistance Program

Closing date for applications: 20 November 2026.

Enquiries
Dr Ellen Maxwell, Medical Director on 03 9287 7*** or *************@mps.com.au