Senior Scientist

Department of Health; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career training and development

Flexible work culture

Generous leave entitlements

Competitive salaries

Job summary

Queensland Health in Brisbane is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead high-level Chemical Pathology testing, contribute to metabolic disease investigations, and drive quality initiatives. You will review complex results, provide expert scientific guidance to senior management, and mentor junior staff while upholding safety and regulatory standards.

The role emphasizes independent and collaborative work within a large health network, with opportunities for research, method development and service

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of Chemical Pathology testing in clinical medicine.
• Experience in metabolic disease investigations is desirable.
• Ability to lead, train and supervise staff and update SOPs.
• Proven quality management and QA experience in clinical labs.
• Strong communication and collaboration across a large organisation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver specialised Chemical Pathology services by performing a broad range of complex screening, diagnostic and therapeutic tests.
• Review, interpret and validate results with clinical information, and provide high-level scientific advice to senior managers on service delivery, equipment, technology and clinical relevance.
• Maintain quality and safety standards by adhering to WHS requirements, policies and standards (NPAAC, NATA, ISO, TGA).
• Support quality improvement and service development through QA activities, root cause investigations, method development, and identifying gaps in the Quality Management System.
• Lead workflow coordination and service continuity by prioritising work, liaising with colleagues, ensuring urgent analyses are completed.
• Provide leadership, supervision and staff development by training, teaching, mentoring and updating SOPs.
• Contribute to research and innovation by supporting collaborative research projects and QA practices.
• Work independently and collaboratively within the ACU, Chemical Pathology and Pathology Queensland, demonstrating communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Skills

Chemical Pathology

Analytical methods

Clinical interpretation

Leadership

Quality assurance

Method development

Job description

About the role:As a Senior Scientist, you will apply high level scientific knowledge, experience and leadership within the ACU. A Senior Scientist is expected to learn and perform a diverse range of highly specialised screening, diagnostic and therapeutic tests. Experience in metabolic disease testing is highly desirable.Key responsibilities include:Deliver specialised Chemical Pathology services by performing a broad range of complex screening, diagnostic and therapeutic tests, applying high-level scientific, analytical and clinical interpretive skills in all aspects of Chemical Pathology testingReview, interpret and validate results in conjunction with relevant pathology and clinical information, and provide high-level scientific and clinical advice to senior managers on service delivery, equipment, technology and the clinical relevance of results across the state.Maintain quality and safety standards by adhering to workplace health and safety requirements, organisational policies and procedures, and relevant legislative, administrative and professional standards, including NPAAC, NATA, ISO, TGA and other certification requirements.Support quality improvement and service development through participation in quality monitoring, external quality assurance activities, root cause investigations, method development, and identification of Quality Management System gaps and service improvement opportunities.Lead workflow coordination and service continuity by prioritising work, adjusting workflow, liaising effectively with colleagues, ensuring urgent analyses are completed, and maintaining high-level expertise across unit analytical functions.Provide leadership, supervision and staff development by training, teaching, mentoring and assessing competency of less experienced staff, updating standard operating procedures and associated documentation, and fostering ongoing professional development.Contribute to research and innovation by participating in and supporting collaborative research projects, quality assurance practices and other activities that strengthen the unit's scientific capability and service delivery.Work both independently and collaboratively within the ACU, Chemical Pathology and Pathology Queensland, demonstrating effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and fulfilling the responsibilities of both the Senior Scientist and HP3 scientific roles.Role fit:You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate the following:Demonstrated knowledge of Chemical Pathology testing and its role in clinical medicine, particularly in relation to metabolic disease, including the diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring applications of pathology testing in disease and health.Proven knowledge, skills and expertise in analytical methods, instrumentation, validation and clinical interpretation of results relevant to chemical pathology, particularly for metabolic disease investigations.Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a professional team, showing initiative, problem-solving ability, innovation, and effective communication and negotiation skills across all levels of a large organisation.Significant experience in clinical chemistry laboratory practice, including one or more of training, education, quality, troubleshooting, and method development with the ability to deliver projects within timeframes and a strong commitment to ongoing professional development.Why work for us?Career training and developmentFlexible and diverse work cultureGenerous leave entitlementsCompetitive salariesReady to apply?For further information on how to apply please review the attached Role Description.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.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.