Medical Laboratory Technician - Dissection Technician - Anatomical Pathology

What you'll be doing

The Dissection Technician is a specialized role focusing on the pre-analytical and cut-up aspects of Anatomical Pathology. They work as a member of the Anatomical Pathology team reporting to the SHS in Charge of Anatomical Pathology with specific accountabilities to the supervising Pathologist for specimen management including triage, direct transfer and dissection. The Dissection Technician is also supported by the Lead Dissection Scientist.

The incumbent will be involved in all aspects of specimen reception and specimen triage including but not limited to fresh and fixed specimens, shared / split specimens and cases requiring follow up with requestors. They will also participate in the return of specimens to patients.

The incumbent will independently perform specimen direct transfer and dissection with appropriate description and dictation.

They will perform their role within the policy and procedure framework developed in consideration of NSW Health Pathology (NSWHP), RCPA, NPAAC and ISO 15189 requirements.

• Diploma in Laboratory Technology or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution with subjects relevant to Anatomical Pathology practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in a high-volume histology laboratory with skills in specimen dissection and / or documented competency and performance of direct transfers (+ / - simple dissection), embedding, microtomy, staining and processing a variety of tissue types, including the use of Laboratory Information Systems, Patient Systems and Quality Systems.
• Well-developed interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with familiarity of terminology required for specimen dissection.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and development, as well as a high level of initiative.
• Sound decision making capability with an unblemished track record in relation to specimen handling and patient safety in the context of the role.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a collaborative team member whilst working autonomously, recognising limits and escalation requirements for the role.
• Sound understanding of the framework and guidelines pertaining to pre-analytical and specimen cut-up requirements in a diagnostic laboratory.
• Commitment to quality and customer service improvement, maintaining flexibility to meet service and patient needs.

All NSW Health workers are required to have completed a primary course of a COVID-19 vaccine which has been approved or recognised by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA). Additionally, Category A workers are required to receive a booster dose three months after completing the primary course of COVID-19 vaccinations. New applicants must have completed the vaccination course prior to commencement with NSW Health, or provide an approved medical contraindication certificate (IM011 immunisation medical exemption form) certifying the worker cannot have any approved COVID-19 vaccines available in NSW.

Acceptable proof of vaccination is the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) Immunisation History Statement or AIR COVID-19 Digital Certificate. Booster doses are highly recommended for all health care workers who have completed the primary course of COVID-19 vaccinations. New to NSW Health Pathology?

The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a functional assessment prior to appointment.

Talent Pool

If the selection panel identifies more than one suitable candidate for the role, an eligibility list will be created for future temporary and casual vacancies.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

NSW Health Pathology is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We seek to recruit from diverse applicants and create teams with skills, perspectives and experiences that complement each other at work. We welcome suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, ethnicity, socio-cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.