Deputy Section Head

Work Location : The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity

The Royal Melbourne Hospital is one of Australia’s leading public healthcare providers.

Join the team. Build a career. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join The Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Medical Scientist Grade 3 - Deputy Section Head

Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL)

The Doherty Institute

• Working as part of a team in the Bacteriology Mycology and Parasitology Laboratory
• Assisting in the delivery of an efficient diagnostic reference service
• Full time, Ongoing Position

The Royal Melbourne Hospital is one of the largest health services in Victoria and a team of more than 10,000 strong, we provide a comprehensive range of specialist medical, surgical, and mental health services; as well as rehabilitation, aged care, outpatient and community programs. We are a designated state‑wide provider for services including trauma, and we lead centres of excellence for tertiary services in several key specialties including neurosciences, nephrology, oncology, cardiology and virtual health.

The Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) is a leading Australian infectious disease reference laboratory located at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity. VIDRL provides the Victorian Department of Health with virology, mycology, parasitology and mycobacteria public health reference laboratory services, including surveillance, outbreak investigations, reference testing and research. In addition to this, VIDRL provides a diagnostic service to hospitals and STI clinics, mainly focussing on specialised testing.

Your new team

We are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our bacteriology, mycology and parasitology team at VIDRL in a senior role as Deputy Section Head. This is a full‑time ongoing position, working 80 hours per fortnight, based at the Doherty.

Your new role

• To assist the Section Head of the Bacteriology, Mycology, and Parasitology Laboratory (BMP) in overseeing daily laboratory operations, supervising staff, managing scientific activities, and providing deputising support as required.
• Provide expert advice and perform diagnostic testing for a broad range of bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens.
• To accurately interpret, validate, authorise and communicate test results.
• To provide expert advice regarding the interpretation of laboratory results to medical, scientific and public health staff as appropriate.
• Participate in staff training and ensure that all BMP staff are adequately trained.
• Develop and implement methodologies that are underpinned by critical thinking and using appropriate scientific and analytical tools.
• To assist in the performance of quality control procedures and monitoring of reagents.
• To maintain accurate records of results of the tests performed.

Your success in this role, will be in your ability to

• have a Degree in Science or equivalent;
• have extensive experience in the subject of bacteriology, mycology and parasitology and in standard molecular biology techniques;
• have diagnostic experience with a collaborative working style;
• have demonstrated problem solving and lateral thinking capability;
• have excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated management skills and a passion for continued professional development.
• exhibit a comprehensive understanding of external accreditation and compliance frameworks (NATA, OGTR, DAAF, NPAAC) relevant to laboratory operations.

Our Commitment to you

Here at The RMH we strive for excellence with a strong purpose that defines the work we do for our community – Advancing health for everyone, every day. This is the Melbourne Way.

We believe our success comes from our people. We’re committed to the RMH being a great place to work and a great place to receive care. We have made a long‑term commitment to strengthen our organisational culture through leadership, education and empowering our staff to Speak Up for themselves and each other.

This is a role where your passion and expertise can come together to create a truly defining career opportunity. It is a unique opportunity to help us transform the future of the RMH and ultimately ensure we continue to deliver world class healthcare.

The RMH stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in work and care. We are proud to be a workplace that champions diversity, inclusion and equality for our staff and our community. Our goal is for our people to feel safe, included and supported so that they can be at their best every single day. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies, and will consider adjustments to support such applications.

Benefits of working with The Royal Melbourne Hospital

• A rewarding career offering great prospects for career diversity and professional advancement including mentorship and leadership programs.
• Enjoy excellent work‑life balance working in a supportive and collaborative team.
• Salary packaging, onsite car parking and, close to public transport.

Interested?

To view a copy of the Position Description, Please click here.

Francesca Azzato 9342 9341

Matthew Killen 9342 9637

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Record Check and satisfactory Working With Children Check.

The RMH is committed to creating a culturally safe environment as a collective responsibility. We draw on our principles of self‑determination, equity, accountability, and shared learning to create a culturally responsive health system that challenges how we strive for continuous quality improvement to meet the expectations of the communities and patients we serve.

RMH is a child safe organisation, committed to upholding the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people in line with the Child Safe Standards.

As a leader in healthcare, we recognise the need to foster a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging. We encourage people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply, and will provide adjustments to support equitable participation.

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