Medical Laboratory Technician Grade 1 - Molecular Pathology

Description:

At Peter Mac we aim to continuously improve cancer care, research and education across all cancers and for all people affected by cancer: changing lives, breaking new ground. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values, Excellence, Compassion and Innovation. Welcoming people from a wide variety of different backgrounds and experiences is critical to fostering innovation, cultivating compassion, attracting and retaining top talent and providing the best possible cancer care for our patients.

YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE

Ongoing Full Time Role.

• Full Time Ongoing Role
• 80 hours per fortnight with ADO

The Molecular Pathology Laboratory in the Department of Pathology is looking for an experienced Laboratory Technician to help support the molecular diagnostic service. The ongoing full-time position presents an exciting opportunity to gain invaluable experience in this rapidly growing field.

You will support the Molecular Pathology Laboratory to provide the highest quality of molecular services by working in our Rapid testing team. Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Specimen receipt and accessioning, DNA / RNA extraction and quantitation, sample management using the LIS and LIMS.
• Performing molecular assays including PCR, QPCR, Fragment Analysis, Sanger Sequencing, MLPA.
• Set up and QC of next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays.
• General laboratory duties and maintenance of equipment.

Suitable candidates will be highly motivated and self-driven, and possess a relevant science degree with genetics and/or molecular biology experience preferred. Previous experience working in an accredited Diagnostic Molecular Pathology/Genetics laboratory would be an advantage.

Inline with the Enterprise Agreement* ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR) (SINGLE INTEREST EMPLOYERS) ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2021-2026 * Salary range between $59,207.2 - $76,346.4 based on years of experience.

Victorian Department of Health has endorsed the initiative to restructure existing public pathology by bringing together laboratories into pathology networks operating under a lead health service.
Pathology services from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Royal Women's Hospital and the Royal Children's Hospital will transition to a single pathology service. This creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen the scope, scale and reach of pathology services across the Parkville precinct to benefit all Victorians.
This role will transition to the new lead health service for pathology services once determined.

Applicants to this role should provide a covering letter outlining relative key skills and experience to assist us with our assessment.

For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position summary. Alternatively, please contact us using the information below for a confidential discussion.

Hiring Manager: Georgina Ryland
Contact Number: 03 8559 6607
Email: georgina.ryland@petermac.org

Applications Close:11:59PM Wednesday 9th April 2025

Position Summary

To provide technical support to the molecular pathology department.
Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• specimen receipt and accessioning, handling histology slides and paraffin blocks for molecular studies, DNA / RNA extraction and quantitation, tissue microdissections, tissue culture
• performing standard molecular assays including: PCR, ddPCR, QPCR, HRM, Sanger Sequencing, MLPA, Next Generation Sequencing
• operation and maintenance of equipment
• general laboratory duties

This role will contribute to the University of Melbourne's partnership with international genomics company Illumina by collaborating with The Advanced Genomics Collaboration by jointly fostering the development of world-leading genomics research and innovation activities and to accelerate the translation of these innovation through to adoption in the healthcare system.

Enterprise Agreement

Allied Health Professionals

Classification or Salary Range

BU1 - BU8

Immunisation Risk Category

Immunisation Category A

Key Relationships

Internal Clinicians, genetic counsellors, researchers, and pathology scientists
External Clinicians, external clients and institutions

Education

Diploma in Laboratory Technology

Skills

• Demonstrable skills in communication.
• Demonstrable ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Good attention to detail.
• Prior experience working in a diagnostic pathology laboratory.
• Demonstrable experience in performing one or more molecular assays including: PCR, ddPCR, QPCR, HRM, Sanger Sequencing, MLPA, Next Generation Sequencing.
• Demonstrable experience in one or more of specimen receipt and accessioning, handling histology slides and paraffin blocks for molecular studies, DNA / RNA extraction and quantitation, tissue microdissections, tissue culture.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators
1.Perform sample receipt and accessioning for all molecular pathology specimens •All specimens are correctly accessioned

• All specimens are correctly labelled and identified
• All procedures followed correctly

2.Tissues prepared for microdissection and DNA digested •All tissue sections and blocks retrieved from and returned to source laboratories

• All tissues prepared for microdissection
• Accurate record keeping
• DNA digested in accordance with procedure manuals

3.Prepare DNA and RNA from samples •Quality DNA and RNA prepared in accordance with procedure manuals

• DNA and RNA quantitated in accordance with procedure manuals

4.Establish and maintain cell lines •All control cell lines maintained and cryopreserved

• Control cell line aliquots always available for scientists
• All cell counts performed correctly and aliquots contain correct number of cells
• All cell lines correctly entered into inventory

5.Handling of clinical trial and referred specimens •All clinical trial and referred specimens are handled, processed and dispatched in accordance with protocols

• Liaises effectively with trial coordinators and external laboratory staff
• Correct use of clinical cost centres

6.Perform molecular assays •Performance of broad range of molecular assays under the supervision of a trained scientist including: PCR setup, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), Quantitative PCR (QPCR), HRM, Sanger Sequencing, MLPA, Targeted amplicon and Capture Next Generation Sequencing
7.Maintenance and operation of equipment •All equipment maintained and operated in accordance with equipment and procedure manuals

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

8.Performs general laboratory duties •General laboratory duties (e.g. reagent preparation, waste disposal, laboratory tidiness) performed as required and on request from scientists

• Administrative duties as required

9.Work practices are in accordance with the laboratory quality systems and procedures •Ensures that work practices are in accordance the laboratory quality systems and procedures at all times

• Ensures that laboratory documentation is up to date at all times
• Works cooperatively with the Quality Manager

10.Recognises and reports any laboratory problems to senior scientific staff •Liaises well with other staff members to ensure that all molecular pathology testing adheres to the relevant protocols

• Seeks the advice of the senior scientific staff to solve any scientific and technical problems in the laboratory

11.Quality Assurance •Participates where appropriate in internal and external QA programs

• Promptly reports procedural breakdowns, errors and incidents by means of the non-conformance reporting system
• Participates in educational activities including attendance at internal and external training courses, clinical and scientific meetings
• Maintains and develops own specialised skills. Embraces skill extension, innovation and change

12.Helps maintain external client base •Cooperates with and assists external clients
13.Work as part of a team •Communicates and cooperates with co-workers to ensure work is completed within appropriate timeframes
14.Conduct is ethical •Acts in accordance with Institute ethical guidelines and those established by relevant bodies including NATA, NPAAC, RCPA

• Patient confidentiality and privacy is protected

15.Work is performed safely •Ensures that all work practices are safe and conform to Institute OH&S guidelines and standards
16.Professional approach to work •Acts in accordance with Institute policy in all matters

Peter Mac is a child safe organisation and has a commitment to child safety and wellbeing.

WHY WORK FOR PETER MAC

• Peter Mac offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally.
• Our staff benefits include award winning facilities, professional development and events, a health and wellbeing program, flexible work practices and policies and financial benefits such as salary packaging.
• We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre