**Employment Type**: Permanent Full Time
**Position Classification**: Principal Scientific Off
**Remuneration**: 157813.04 - 193960.27 full time equivalent base salary range (excludes super, leave loading and salary packaging)
**Hours Per Week**: 38
**Requisition ID**: REQ585524
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network is the largest paediatric health care entity in Australia. We care for thousands of children each year in our hospitals and in their homes — with one purpose in mind — to help young people live their healthiest lives.
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**Additional information**
- An eligibility list may be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
**What you'll be doing**
The Head of Department (HOD) for Molecular Genetics leads a specialised diagnostic laboratory that provides advanced molecular genetic testing services to the Children's Hospital at Westmead and external clients both nationally and internationally. This role is responsible for the overall scientific, operational, and quality performance of the laboratory.
The HOD oversees daily laboratory operations, including staff management, test supervision, complex result validation, and clinical consultation. They ensure compliance with regulatory standards (NATA, NPAAC), drive quality improvement initiatives, and lead the adoption of innovative technologies and methodologies.
As the laboratory's principal scientific representative, the HOD plays a key role in strategic planning, service development, equipment selection and validation, and change management aligned with the goals of the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and broader health system priorities. They also contribute to research, teaching, and advocacy, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture focused on excellence in clinical diagnostics and patient care.
- Fellowship of the relevant college, and/or a Principal Hospital Scientist qualification as described in the Hospital Scientists (State) Award, with a minimum of 10 years' experience in an appropriate scientific field
- High level experience in molecular genetic scientific techniques and practice
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including demonstrated organisational skills with the ability to prioritise work and organise teams.
- Demonstrated ability to develop laboratory and customer key performance indicators
- Self-motivation with the proven ability to take responsibility and provide leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to be innovative and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Demonstrated ability to work with multidisciplinary teams for clinical outcomes and research projects.
- Commitment to actively participate in dissemination of data at the national and international level
For roles that require formal qualifications, please note that overseas qualifications must be assessed by the Department of Education or the relevant authority appointed by the Australian Government for skilled migration purposes.
- SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity - we acknowledge the vibrancy that a diverse workforce brings to enhance both our workplace culture and our service delivery to children, young people and their families and carers. We encourage all suitably qualified applicants to apply. If you identify as an Indigenous Australian or as a person with a disability, please contact us if you would like some more information about our recruitment process.
- Please refer to the Application Guide and NSW Policy Directive PD2024_015 _Occupational Assessment Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases_ for vaccination requirements.
- NSWHealth is committed to child safety in line with the Child Safe Standards.**SCHN is committed to maintaining a child safe culture that upholds the rights of children and young people. We strive to ensure children and young people feel safe, supported, and are included in their care. Existing staff of SCHN and those seeking employment are required to prioritise the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people in their care and take action to keep them safe from harm and abuse.
- Applicants holding visas with working rights may be considered for temporary appointment (up to the expiry date of their visa) where no suitable local applicant is identified.
**Please note**: To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency.
Need more information?
- For technical support please contact the customer services team on 1300 679 367 and select option 3.
**Applications Close: 4/07/2025