Senior Scientist

Queensland Government; Rockhampton Regional; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Competitive salary

Generous leave

Wellbeing programs

Equity & inclusion

Job summary

Pathology Queensland is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead multidisciplinary pathology services in Gladstone and surrounding regions. You will apply advanced scientific judgement to verify test results and provide high‑level advice to staff and clinical units.

The role includes guiding quality improvement, staff supervision, and training within accredited protocols. The position emphasises professional development, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing support for point‑of-care devices across the

Qualifications

• Apply advanced scientist judgement in multidisciplinary pathology lab settings.
• Plan and lead quality and service improvement activities.
• Supervise diagnostic testing following accredited protocols and standards.
• Maintain knowledge through professional development and act as a departmental resource.
• Develop professional relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Support monitoring and training for POC devices in regional laboratories.
• Understand NATA/ISO accreditation requirements and apply them.

Responsibilities

• Apply scientific evidence to verify test results and advise clinical units.
• Lead quality improvement projects within the work unit.
• Assist with supervision of diagnostic testing and related duties.
• Provide training and mentoring to staff as required.
• Maintain relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Skills

Advanced scientific judgement

Clinical leadership

Quality improvement

Communication skills

Team leadership

Job description

Pathology Queensland (PQ) provides diagnostic pathology services to all Hospital and Health Services (HHS) across metro, regional and remote Queensland and plays a critical role in the government's response to public health threats, epidemics, and civil emergencies. PQ offers laboratory services in the disciplines of anatomical pathology, chemical pathology, haematology, immunology, microbiology and genomics. PQ also provides expert analysis, scientific testing and advice to maintain and improve our public and environmental health, and to support the coronial system in Queensland.About the role:As a Senior Scientist, you will apply high level scientific knowledge, skills, experience, and leadership in the delivery of multidisciplinary services for Pathology Queensland Gladstone. The role supports the Supervising Scientist with the day-to-day management of the laboratory.Key responsibilities include:Apply advanced scientist judgement combined with integrated evidence-based practice to make complex scientific decisions in the analysis of patient specimens leading to the verification and validation of test results and the provision of high-level advice to laboratory staff and clinical units in accordance with prescribed professional and ethical standards.Plan and lead quality and service improvement activities within the work unit.Assist with the supervision of diagnostic testing and related duties following Pathology Queensland established accredited protocols and standards in accordance with prescribed professional and ethical standards.Maintain scientific knowledge and expertise through active learning within the team and by engaging in professional development activities and act as a departmental resource in training, education, quality and troubleshooting.Develop and maintain effective professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.Assist the Supervising Scientist in the monitoring, maintenance, and support for all POC devices within the Gladstone and Banana regions, including the provision of training to staff as required.Apply scientific evidence that reinforces continuous improvement in accordance with National Association of Testing Authorities and International Standardisation Organisation (NATA/ISO) accreditation/certification standards.Role fit:You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate the following:Demonstrated ability to apply advanced scientific judgement in all areas pertaining to a multidisciplinary pathology laboratory, including (but not limited to): Biochemistry, Haematology, Microbiology, Transfusion.Demonstrated clinical leadership ability and contribution to the professional development of others.Proven ability to solve complex problems in the workplace.High level communication skills and ability to maintain professional relationships in the workplace.Ability to lead process improvement and client liaison activities.Understanding of laboratory quality systems and the requirements of NATA accreditation and ISO certification.Awareness of the human resource management policies applicable to contemporary workplaces.Why work for us:Career training and developmentCompetitive salariesGenerous leave entitlements, including leave loadingEmployee wellbeing programsOur 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.Ready to apply?For further information on how to apply please review the attached Role Description.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.