Principal Scientist(s) Melbourne Pathology

Principal Scientist(s) Melbourne Pathology; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

Career development and training

Employee Rewards and Employee Assisted

Job summary

Melbourne Pathology is seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to lead the genomics laboratory as we relocate to the Docklands centre of excellence. You will develop, validate and accredit new genomic tests, oversee variant analysis pipelines, and deliver clinical reporting within a national Sonic Genetics framework.

You will bring a PhD or fellowship and substantial leadership experience in a diagnostic genomics lab, with strong communication and collaboration skills to support education

Qualifications

• BSc with specialisation in molecular genetics and genomics.
• Fellowship (e.g., FFSc (RCPA), FHGSA) and/or a PhD required for principal scientist supervision.
• Significant experience in a diagnostic genomics laboratory or genomic medicine.
• Demonstrated leadership and management in a large clinical genomics lab.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for diverse settings.
• Experience in genetic screening and diagnostic genomic testing.
• Experience implementing service improvement initiatives.
• Expertise in variant interpretation/classification in germline and/ or somatic contexts.
• Knowledge of secondary/tertiary analysis pipelines desirable.
• Experience developing and validating new laboratory procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the genomics laboratory at Melbourne Pathology, including oversight and instrument setup.
• Develop, validate, and accredit new genomics tests and case analyses.
• Establish variant analysis pipelines, interpretation framework, and clinical reporting.
• Collaborate within the local entity and the Sonic Genetics national network.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Genomics expertise

Laboratory management

Communication

Education

BSc in molecular genetics/genomics

Fellowship FFSc (RCPA) / FHGSA

PhD in a relevant area

Job description

3d ago , from The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia

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

Enquiries

For further information:

Dr Ellen Maxwell, Medical Director on 03 9287 7*** or [emailprotected]