Position Overview

The Laboratory and Technical Support Officer, Pathology provides technical and teaching support in the pathology area including, but not limited to histopathology, cytology, haematology, biochemistry, coagulation, microbiology and veterinary anatomy (post mortem). The incumbent will support the development and assist in the delivering of the pathology components of both the undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by the College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences.  The position provides technical support to the JCU Veterinary Diagnostic Pathology Service and other laboratory areas as required.

​Division of Tropical Health and Medicine

The Division of Tropical Health and Medicine encompasses human and animal health professional areas and related biomedical science disciplines. The Division has a particular focus on the health of rural, remote and Indigenous Australian communities and tropical medicine.

The Colleges of the Division include:

• Medicine and Dentistry
• Healthcare Sciences
• Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences

Organisational Charts

James Cook University

Principal Accountabilities

1. Prepare, set up and clean up practical classes to ensure teaching can occur in an appropriate manner; assist in the teaching of histopathology, clinical pathology and related areas in both undergraduate and postgraduate classes. Assist in the supervision of both undergraduate and postgraduate students in the teaching and diagnostic laboratories, ensuring students are adhering to safe work practices and learning outcomes are being achieved successfully.
2. Manage and ensure proper sample preparation, processing and analysis pertaining to histology, cytology, haematology, biochemistry, coagulation, microbiology, veterinary anatomy (post mortem) and any other service areas as required for teaching, diagnostic and research purposes.
3. Assist with the maintenance of the pathology laboratories, conduct laboratory inductions for all users, staff, students and visitors; and ensure efficient day-to-day operations and teaching, diagnostic and research objectives are met.
4. Maintain current knowledge of WHS legislation and National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) quality assurance procedures, to maintain adherence within the laboratories; sustain standard operating procedures (SOP) and safe work instructions (SWI) and provide instruction and demonstrations as required on the safe use of the laboratories, and equipment contained in them.
5. Communicate and liaise with regional veterinary practices, government agencies, local service providers, industry representative and the general public to support the functioning of the Veterinary Diagnostic Pathology Service and the Medical Laboratory Science degree program.
6. Assist with monitoring and maintaining adequate stock levels, including obtaining quotes and purchasing consumables for the laboratories to ensure that teaching, diagnostic services and research can continue to provide quality outcomes.
7. Maintain all laboratory equipment, assist in coordinating service checks, evaluating and sourcing new laboratory equipment to ensure that current and future teaching, diagnostic and research needs are met.
8. Actively participate in work flow management including receiving or picking up donated and diagnostic samples from regional veterinary surgeries, using the Laboratory Information System (LIMS) interface while processing samples, and sample record completion, including invoicing.
9. Support the University's commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
10. Demonstrate a commitment to the University values.
11. Support the principles of the TropEco program and engage in commitment to JCU sustainability goals and objectives.

Descriptors

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

Your specific level descriptor can be found within the Enterprise Agreement.

Generic Accountabilities

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

1. The Laboratory and Technical Support Officer is required to observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of the University Council, understand and comply with the Enterprise Agreement, the Statutes and Rules of the University, the policies and decisions of the University Council and other appropriate University authorities, as in force from time to time.
2. The Laboratory and Technical Support Officer is required to demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance. This includes the effective implementation and compliance with James Cook University WHS policies, procedures and safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislation, duties and obligations. Contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance.
3. The Laboratory and Technical Support Officer is required to exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the well-being of the University which involve public writing or speaking in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct.

Special Conditions

• It is a requirement of this position to hold a current Queensland Drivers Licence.
• It is a requirement of this position be/willing to be vaccinated against Q fever, or show immunity.
• It is a requirement of this position to hold/willing to obtain a first aid/CPR certificate.
• The position may require occasional evening or weekend work.

Selection Criteria

Selection and appointments will be assessed against selection criteria.

Essential

1. Degree qualification in Medical Laboratory Science or related field and extensive professional experience in a diagnostic laboratory or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
2. Proven ability with a broad range of diagnostic clinical pathology and/or microbiology laboratory testing/techniques and experience in all facets of tissue preparation for diagnostic histopathological examination and some experience with anatomy, preferentially in the veterinary area.
3. Demonstrated experience working in teams and individually to ensure objectives are achieved.
4. Demonstrated well developed written and oral communication skills and proven ability using Microsoft Office suite of software applications and/or a Laboratory Information Management System.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of risk management and workplace health and safety policies, procedures, National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) quality assurance procedures, and how they apply to operational requirements in a teaching and/or diagnostic laboratory.
6. Proven ability in managing multiple projects and providing recommendations on allocation and reallocation of resources in response to changing operational environments.

Desirable

1. Membership and/or involvement in a relevant industry organisation such as the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).
2. Experience within a higher education teaching environment, related areas of pathology or an ability to learn techniques in these areas if required.