Who Are We?

Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS) is an Australian, not-for-profit provider of cutting-edge genetic and genomic services. We are one of the largest contributors driving genetic healthcare, research and policy in Australia.

We are doctors, genetic counsellors, scientists and technicians that work closely with a wide range of health professionals to provide the best quality clinical care, screening and diagnostic testing. VCGS is a subsidiary of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) located at The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Melbourne. As a pioneering not-for-profit organisation all our proceeds go back into medical research to support the health of our community.

VCGS is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability.

The Opportunity

The VCGS Cytogenetics Department is seeking a highly motivated full time Medical Scientist to join a multidiscipline diagnostic unit. We analyse prenatal, postnatal and oncology clinical samples by genomic and conventional methods. The Medical Scientist will help VGCS to deliver world- leading genetics and genomics services. The position may cover all aspects of the testing procedure, from specimen reception and sample processing to data analysis and curation, data storage, report generation, LIMS integration, regulatory compliance, and quality management.

Responsibilities include:

• Analysing clinical cases based on cytogenetic and genomic assays.
• Generating data and collecting evidence used to derive interpretative clinical reports.
• Handling and processing a variety of specimen details and patient data to facilitate testing.
• Assist with coordination and running of laboratory meetings including presenting data/results at multi-disciplinary team meetings.
• Actively participating in the scientific and educational activities of Laboratory Services.
• The role may also require training staff or trainees, trouble-shooting methods or equipment and managing workloads in the team environment.
• Assist, as required, in research and development, including method validation and establishment of new services.

About you

You will be experienced in microarray curation and/or diagnostic genomics. You will also have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a dynamic team environment. You have excellent work ethic, strong initiative and a meticulous attention to detail.

You will also possess the following:

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science and/or Honours. MHGSA, FHGSA, or Masters in genomics
• Knowledge of cytogenetics techniques and methodologies
• Experience and competence in the performance and understanding of a wide range of diagnostic tests or procedures
• Ability in giving professional and appropriate advice on scientific and clinical matters to experts and lay persons
• Ability to critically assess and evaluate new equipment, instruments or products relevant to diagnostic or research work
• Ideally a minimum of 36 months of full time employment in an IANZ/NATA accredited cytogenetics laboratory, or in any other laboratory with a demonstrable focus on clinically relevant genetics/genomics research
• Ideally a high level of technical competency in cytogenetic technologies

On Offer

• Full Time 12 Month Contract
• Salary Range $61,063 - $95,191 pa + super + salary packaging
• Benefits include: car parking, childcare, Employee Assistance Program, yoga, Pilates, mindfulness sessions, gym, friendly & welcoming choir, work-life balance, bike storage… to highlight a few