Senior Scientist, Quality And Bacteriology , Queensland Health

The Senior Scientist, Quality and Bacteriology in Microbiology Central, reports to the Principal Chief Scientist, Microbiology, Pathology Queensland. The role is accountable for ensuring compliance with NATA and TGA requirements for all Microbiology sections, and provide assistance to the bacteriology supervisors with the timely review of pathology reports. The number of direct reports this position is responsible for is two.
Job details Position status Permanent
Position type Full-time
Occupational group Health - Pathology
Classification HP5
Workplace Location Brisbane - North
Job ad reference QLD/537999
Closing date 24-Jan-2024
Yearly salary
Fortnightly salary
Total remuneration
Salary Other
Job duration Permanent full time
Contact person Cheryl Bletchly
Contact details 3646 0036
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The successful candidate will assist the Microbiology supervising scientists (Bacteriology, MRL, MDU, IDL, Serology, Media, Genomics) to support and actively oversee the quality aspects of laboratory operations, to ensure an efficient and high-quality service. Aditionally, you will monitor results and activities within Central Microbiology to identify potential changes in procedures and methods leading to service improvement initiatives in conjunction with supervisors, and assist with implementation of change management activities.
Your key responsibilities
You will be required to fulfil the responsibilities of this role in accordance with the Queensland Public Service values.

• Ensure that Microbiology complies with all relevant legislative, administrative, and professional standards to meet NATA / TGA / ISO17025 and15189 / NPAAC accreditation/certification/licensing requirements.
• Lead the quality team in the provision of high-level best practice quality recommendations and management of associated documentation.
• Manage Central Microbiology EQAP enrolment, result collation and review.
• Maintain the bacteriology culture collection.
• Act as a delegate for the bacteriology supervising scientists to review non-complex patient results prior to pathologist validation.
• Adhere to defined service quality standards, health and safety policies and procedures relating to the work being undertaken to ensure safe services and workplaces.
• Monitor staff development and manage training, task allocation and PADs for the quality team.
• Ensure staff in the section are a cooperative team with effective communication with clients internal and external to the laboratory and promote team building and mentorship.

Key competencies (role specific criteria)
You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate the following:

• Demonstrated high level knowledge, expertise and skill in applying the principles of quality management and continuous quality improvement, and a high-level understanding of laboratory quality control and quality assurance programs.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills including conflict resolution, negotiation and influencing competencies.
• Ability to plan and prioritise to effectively manage deadlines for quality activities and review of bacteriology Auslab reports.
• Ability to develop collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders and team members and ability to effectively communicate and influence staff.

Qualifications, registrations and other requirements

• The successful applicant must hold a Degree in Science or equivalent degree with a major emphasis in Microbiology from a recognised tertiary institution.
• Appointment to this position requires proof of qualification. Certified copies of the required information must be provided to the appropriate supervisor/manager prior to the commencement of duties.
• All newly appointed staff are engaged with the understanding that they may be required to work any rostered shift within the roster period, including overtime as required.
• Please detail any visa conditions you may have if you are not a permanent resident of Australia.
• We understand that some people may require adjustments to the workplace or the way the work is performed. All applicants are encouraged to advise the panel of any support or reasonable adjustments (i.e. building access, wheelchair access, interpreting services etc.) that may be required.

Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) requirements

• It will be a condition of employment for this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated against one or more of the following vaccine preventable diseases during their employment: Hepatitis A & B, Measles, Mumps, Pertussis, Rubella and Varicella.

Additional Information
Please provide the following information to the panel to assess your suitability:

• Your resume, including the names and contact details of two referees who have a thorough knowledge of your capabilities, work performance and conduct within the previous two years, and it is preferable to include your current, immediate or past supervisor.
• A short statement (maximum two pages) that gives details of your skills, experience and knowledge as required on the role description under the heading ‘key competencies (role specific criteria)'.

Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote and .
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
Role Description
Information Package for Applicants
Information Package for Applicants