Job Description: • Excellent benefits including salary packaging • Fitzroy location • Permanent, Full Time, (38 hours per week) About the Role You will be responsible for the management of the overall operation of the Biochemistry Department ensuring that the Department meets the needs of its clients and patients, both internal and external, along with the Head Biochemistry. The Principal Scientist provides technical and scientific leadership in Biochemistry, including line management supervision of technical and scientific staff for all sections of the Biochemistry laboratory. Collaborating with the Head of Department regarding matters including but not limited to Medical Governance, the clinical/laboratory interface, analytical quality, result interpretation, advice to clients on selection of appropriate tests, selection and implementation of appropriate methodology/technology. Ensure compliance with standards/guidelines of NPACC and other relevant bodies. Contribute to staff training and education. Classification for this position will SA2 ($167,684 per annum). Your Contribution • At least 10 years’ experience in a clinical diagnostic Biochemistry laboratory • Advanced and specialised professional knowledge and expertise in one or more Biochemistry specialties • Demonstrated experience in managing a team • Bachelor of Applied Science or Science relevant to clinical biochemistry • Current membership or Fellowship of the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemist or equivalent • Current National criminal history check What we Offer • A focus on wellbeing initiatives, with regular events and programs • Confidential, solutions-focused employee counselling • A healthy work/life balance encouraged. Full time employment comes with a monthly Accrued Day Off (additional day off per month!) • Ability to join Fitness Passport - Your pass to an extensive choice of fitness facilities • Salary Packaging – Increase your take home pay! • In the heart of Fitzroy, CBD at our doorstep, close to some of Melbourne’s best cafes, public transport and lots of carparks • Discounts and Promotions always available through our Foundation • Regular opportunities for professional development to assist you to reach your career goals • Culture of continuous improvement About Biochemistry The department conducts general and special Biochemistry and Immunology testing including automated chemistry and immunoassays, blood gas analysis, protein electrophoresis, chromatography, breath testing, autoimmune serology, specific IgE and molecular biology. The department also participates in contract testing and clinical trials. Working at St Vincent’s St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) is a leading teaching, research and tertiary health service. SVHM provides a diverse range of adult clinical services and is driven by values of Compassion, Justice, Integrity and Excellence. Application Please attach your resume and cover letter to your application. Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately. We encourage you to apply promptly as the advertisement may close early should a suitable applicant be sourced. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Inclusion is essential to our mission and diversity reflects the community we serve. Please visit our website, for further information regarding our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment at SVHM. SVHA has a duty of care under work health and safety legislation to eliminate and/or control the risk of transmission of vaccine preventable diseases in healthcare settings. You may therefore be required to undergo mandatory immunisations/vaccinations (including flu vaccinations). This position is subject to a Victorian government direction regarding vaccination against COVID-19. Successful applicants must meet these vaccination requirements. Please contact us if you would like to know more. Please refer below for the position description KEY POSITION DETAILS Job Title: Principal Scientist, Biochemistry Reports to: Pathology Operations Manager Program: Pathology Department: Biochemistry Industrial Agreement: Victorian Public Health Sector (Medical Scientists, Pharmacists & Psychologists) Single Interest Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025 Classification: SA2 LOCAL WORK ENVIRONMENT St Vincent’s Pathology provides pathology testing, interpretation of test results and other Pathology Services to St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, to a number of Private Hospitals and to Specialist and general practitioners in and around Melbourne.The Biochemistry Department is an integral part of Pathology and is responsible for the Biochemistry testing and point of care service within Pathology. St Vincent’s Pathology is an established Approved Pathology Authority (APA) providing a broad range of Pathology services to a number of teaching hospitals, private hospitals, specialists and general practitioners in the community. The Laboratory of the Biochemistry Department is part of St Vincent’s Pathology and provides the following services: General and special biochemistry testing Management of the Point of Care instruments Provision of expert advice to SVHM and external clients on relevant standing Committees and working groups Provision of internal and external Biochemistry teaching and training activities POSITION PURPOSE The Principal Scientist, Biochemistry along with the Head, Laboratory Biochemistry, is responsible for the management of the overall operation of the Biochemistry Department ensuring that the Department meets the needs of its clients and patients, both internal and external, and operates as a cost-effective unit within the Pathology service. POSITION DUTIES Collaborate with the Department Director/Head of Department regarding matters including but not limited to Medical Governance, clinical/laboratory interface, result interpretation, advice to clients on selection of appropriate tests, selection of appropriate methodology/technology and timely surveillance of and appropriate action relating to external quality assurance data. Plan and co-ordinate laboratory testing in all areas of the department to provide test results within target turnaround times. Benchmark the department against other pathology providers for turnaround times, error rates, accidents and cost-efficiency. Ensure systems are in place to continually monitor test performance so that documented procedures are followed up and all results are of an acceptable quality for all sections of the department. Attend, schedule and/or present at internal meetings including but not limited to Tier 1, departmental staff meetings, operational meetings and quality meetings. Liaise with other stakeholders, within Pathology, other departments in the hospital and external stakeholders. INCUMBENT OBLIGATIONS General Perform the duties of the position to the best of their ability and to a standard acceptable to SVHM Comply with and ensure all those in the area they manage, comply with all SVHM requirements policies, procedures, by laws and directions. Ensure all those in their management area only access confidential information held by SVHM when this is necessary for business purposes, maintaining the confidentiality of that information once accessed. Display adaptability and flexibility to meet the changing operational needs of the business. Maintain skills and knowledge necessary to safely and skilfully undertake duties. Department Specific Duties Ensure compliance with standards/guidelines of NPACC and other relevant bodies. Health and Safety Ensure all health and safety related policies, procedures and directions are complied with in the area they manage. Report incidents and accidents, collaborate with management to resolve safety issues and implememt any necessary preventive safety actions in a timely manner. Ensure all those in the area they manage, treat others with respect, behaving professionally and in accordance with the SVHM Code of Conduct and undertaking annual Workplace Culture and Equity Training. Conduct and report regular safety audits with Health and Safety Representatives and implement required improvements. Minimise Workcover costs by actively assisting the return to work of any employee injured in the area they manage. Quality Oversee and monitor performance in external quality assurance programs. Ensure that the department maintains the quality systems utilised in the department. Ensure compliance with the relevant standards and NPAAC guidelines to ensure ongoing accreditation. Maintenance of appropriate records in accordance with the guidelines of NPAAC, NATA and other relevant bodies. Effective coordination of changes to methodology and laboratory operation and communication of such with all stakeholders. Ensure that issues are documented as appropriate in our quality system and actioned in a timely manner. Human Resource Management Ensure staff numbers and levels of expertise are adequate to provide an optimal service. Perform annual staff performance reviews as required by Human Resources Department. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate EBAs and liaise with Pay Office to ensure the correct pay and entitlements are provided to staff. Management of appropriate scientific/technical staff rosters and scientific/technical staff leave including annual leave, long service leave and ADOs in accordance with SVHM policy ensuring staff do not accumulate excessive leave. Responsible for the recruitment of staff in the department and ensure complies with applicable Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. Actively manage individual and team performance to maximise performance and minimise workplace problems and conflict. Monitor and coordinate staff training and competency. Complete mandatory training and ensure staff do the same. Ensure that there are opportunities for continuing staff education, including an internal continuing staff education program. Actively encourage attendance and participation in ongoing educational activities, including participation in the medical scientist CPD program as appropriate. Assist in maintaining an environment in which teamwork, excellence and continuous improvement are a central theme. Ensure the staff have the appropriate vaccinations. Laboratory Equipment Ensure the acquisition of equipment appropriate for the provision of a high quality service. Arrange for the regular calibration, maintenance and servicing of equipment and for repairs, as required. Regularly review methodology and instrumentation with benchmarking where possible to ensure best practice and identify to the Pathology Operations Manager any equipment requiring replacement. Ensure the safe operation of all equipment. Orders and Supplies Negotiate contracts with suppliers to maintain an adequate supply of reagents and consumables to ensure the smooth running of the department. Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all suppliers. Identification of opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains. Regular review of laboratory consumable prices and liaison with company representatives to ensure best service delivery. Strategic Plan and Research Projects With the Department Director/Head of Department, develop and implement the strategic plan for the department. Encourage and promote research and development within the department and with other organisations as required. Continuing Education Research and present journal articles at departmental journal club/education meetings. Present cases of interest at meetings and conferences. Prepare posters, papers and oral presentations and encourage staff to do the same. Submit articles for publication to appropriate journals where possible. Be familiar with the current literature to keep abreast of new techniques. Regularly attend internal and external meetings, seminars and lectures. Involvement in relevant professional group/society activities including presentations at external meetings/seminars and encourage and mentor senior and junior scientific/technical staff to be involved in continuing education activities. Actively encourage attendance and participation in ongoing educational activities and be involved in the relevant professional group/society activities, including committees and working groups. Financial Management Participate in the development of the annual budget allocation for the area managed Monitor EFT and expenditure to ensure spending remains within budget allocation Ensure decision making remains within delegated authority OTHER ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS At least 10 years’ experience in a clinical diagnostic Biochemistry laboratory Advanced and specialised professional knowledge and expertise in one or more Biochemistry specialties Demonstrated experience in managing a team Ability to set or revise objectives Ability to plan to meet client needs and accountability requirements Excellent interpersonal skills Ability to develop an effective team and relationships with stakeholders Excellent communication skills both written and verbal Ability to allocate and manage resources Proven experience in monitoring, evaluation and reporting on performance against objectives Ability to delegate responsibility and authority Demonstrated ability to have effective professional relationships with Departmental staff and other stakeholders OTHER (NON-ESSENTIAL) REQUIREMENTS A Fellowship of the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemist or Fellow of the Faculty of Science relevant to laboratory Biochemistry A qualification in management Closing Date: 14 July 2025 11:59pm Reconciliation Action Plan: At St Vincent's we acknowledge the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, equitable and inclusive for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees. As part of our Commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap in employment related outcomes, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. For further information, visit https ://www.svha.org.au/about-us/reconciliation or get in contact at indigenouscareers@svha.org.au View Reconciliation Action Plan Code of Conduct: View Code of Conduct
