Engineer - Biomedical (Dialysis)

Engineer - Biomedical (Dialysis)

Western Desert Dialysis

Alice Springs, Alice Springs & Central Australia NT

Laboratory & Technical Services (Science & Technology)

Full time

About Us

We began 23 years ago with a knock-out exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW which raised over a million dollars. People from the remotest, most beautiful part of the desert, then used this money to develop their own organisation, with a culture of caring, compassion and determination.

At the time, the focus was to get family members home to Kintore on dialysis, for people to be looked after on country and to maintain the traditions of looking after country and passing on cultural heritage to future generations.

It took a little time…and a lot of hard work…but in 2004, Purple House started dialysis in Kintore, the first of its kind, and set a precedence for many others to follow. 

Today we are proud to say that we have collaborated, supported and helped many communities to get their people home and now operate dialysis in 20 communities across NT, SA and WA. We also run two mobile dialysis trucks, provide a range of support services, run a successful social enterprise and have big plans for more!

We have come a long way in 23 years!

About the Role 

Our team has won prizes and grants for its water-treatment technology. We collaborate with universities and solve the technical problems that prevent dialysis patients from returning-to-country.  We have ongoing R&D projects in water-conservation, rainwater harvesting, hospital greening, water-chillers, instrumentation, mobile dialysis and palliative care. Our engineers and technicians develop relationships with Aboriginal clients and co-workers, while supporting dialysis technology in the most remote communities in the country.  

The role is based in Alice Springs, with travel to remote communities as needed.

A vehicle, tools, accommodation, and travel allowance are provided for remote work.

On-the-job Training

In your role you will have the opportunity to learn from our Engineer and also supervise the technical development of our Engineering trainees in the repair, maintenance and management of:

• Water-treatment systems
• Reverse osmosis systems
• Dialysis machines
• General medical and mobility equipment

What you will be doing - duties include but are not limited to:

• Based in Alice Springs NT, you will have some remote travel to our service areas supporting staff accommodation or vehicles.
• Perform maintenance and repairs to dialysis equipment and water treatment systems. 
• Perform maintenance and repairs to general medical equipment, mobility equipment and patient-care areas.
• Manage preventative maintenance and repair scheduling for dialysis, general-medical and mobility equipment according to the relevant standards.
• Provide education, training, and technical support to the clinical team for device and system operation and maintenance. 
• Investigate and recommend improvements to the management of medical and dialysis systems.
• Develop and deliver training material for medical device users, technicians and others.
• Participate in engineering design, system development, R&D projects and work with academic institutions as required.
• Provide internal consultancy and technical advice to project managers for new sites and refurbishments of existing sites.

About You

• You have a patient centred focus and eye on our goal of getting people home on country.
• You are known for your compassion, empathy and ability to listen.
• Your style is flexible, good humoured and resilient. 
• You can think on your feet to negotiate and solve problems.
• You are culturally curious and have respect for culture and community.
• You have experience working for an Aboriginal organisation and awareness of the issues pertaining to this region.
• You have (minimum) category C driver license to drive in the NT.
• Bush driving and 4WD experience. 

Come and help us design and build the next generation of dialysis units for SA, WA and the NT in 2024!

What we offer

• Competitive salary with excellent not for profit salary packaging options with CBB. 
• 6 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading.
• 3 Special leave days.
• Other generous leave entitlements.
• Relocation assistance. 

Applicants must have unrestricted legal rights to work in Australia.

Take a look at our website, Facebook and Instagram pages to see how we roll.

How to apply

Are you ready to join our dynamic team?  To apply, you will need a resume and a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability for the position. 

Apply online by clicking the “Apply” button to upload your cover letter and resume.  

Applications close 26 April 2024. 

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as shortlisting for this position will commence immediately and as such the closing date is subject to change without notice. 

Enquiries should be directed to ******@purplehouse.org.au.

Successful candidates must also have:

• A current (less than 6 months old) National Criminal History Check.
• A NDIS Worker Screening Clearance or the ability to obtain a NDIS clearance.
• Covid Vaccination (2 jabs + 1 booster).
• An unrestricted driver license.  

No Agencies Please

We actively encourage and invite applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for all our positions.