Company name: Pathology Queensland - Queensland Health
Discipline: Microbiology
Job reference number: QLD/677604
Description: Pathology Queensland are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Microbial Genomics Trainee. This position is designed for candidates looking to develop expertise in microbial genomics, bioinformatics, and associated laboratory techniques. The role will involve hands‐on training in genomic sequencing, data analysis, and interpretation of microbial genomes for applications in clinical microbiology and public health.
The position is a joint position (50:50) at both Mater Pathology and the Public and Environmental Health Laboratories Reference Laboratories (PEHRL) at Pathology Queensland.
A competitive salary applies which includes base salary, vocational training subsidy, professional development leave, examination leave, 5 weeks annual leave and 12.75% superannuation.
Department of Health
The Department of Health has a diverse set of responsibilities, and a common purpose of creating better health care for Queenslanders. The department is responsible for the overall management of the public health system in Queensland. We strongly believe in the need to work with people that value the goals of our organisation and who will thrive in our workplace.
To enable this vision, the Queensland Public Sector is transforming from a focus on compliance to a values‐led way of working. The following five values underpin behaviours that will support and enable better ways of working and result in better outcomes for Queenslanders.
About Pathology Queensland
Pathology Queensland (PQ) provides diagnostic pathology services to all Hospital and Health Services (HHS) across metro, regional and remote Queensland and plays a critical role in the government's response to public health threats, epidemics, and civil emergencies.
PQ offers laboratory services in the disciplines of anatomical pathology, chemical pathology, haematology, immunology, microbiology and genomics. PQ also provides expert analysis, scientific testing and advice to maintain and improve our public and environmental health, and to support the coronial system in Queensland.
Public and Environmental Health Reference Laboratories (PEHRL)
PEHRL provides an extensive range of scientific laboratory and advisory services to a broad spectrum of public health and environmental health industry clients and stakeholders. PEHRL is a NATA accredited facility and incorporates state, national and internationally recognised reference and high containment PC 2, 3 and 4 laboratories. PEHRL also incorporates a WHO Collaborating Centre for Leptospirosis. The Public Health Microbiology and Virology laboratories are national leaders in microbial genomics and metagenomics, including as reference laboratory.
Mater Pathology
Mater Pathology has been operating a high-quality pathology service to the Southeast Queensland community for over 100 years. It is the largest private not-for-profit pathology provider in the state. Committed to excellence in diagnostic services, Mater Pathology boasts a broad spectrum of pathology expertise and provides a 24‐hour service to Mater public adult and maternity teaching hospitals, a private hospital network as well as the community via an extensive community‐based collection service. A broad range of microbiology testing is performed at Mater Pathology.
Purpose of the role
As the 2026 registrar training year has already commenced the successful applicant must be willing to start the position immediately.
Your key responsibilities
* Receive training in sequencing (NGS) techniques, including sample preparation and sequencing workflows.
* Learn and apply bioinformatics tools for genome assembly, annotation, and comparative analysis.
* Assist in developing and optimizing microbial genomics workflows and pipelines.
* Work with interdisciplinary teams, including microbiologists, microbiology scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists, and bioinformaticians.
* Provide microbiology services under the supervision and direction of senior staff.
* Ensure compliance with laboratory safety and biosecurity protocols.
* Successful completion of training requirements.
* Participation in research, including publications and conference presentations.
* The role reports directly to Mater Clinical Director of Microbiology and PEHRL Medical Director Microbiology, Virology and Genomics for site‐specific duties.
Key competencies (role specific criteria)
* Demonstrated interest in completing RCPA Certificate in Molecular Pathology Modules – Microbiology.
* Proven achievement in microbiology including ability to succeed in medical examinations.
* Interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as a team member and to relate successfully with other staff at all levels.
Qualifications, registrations and other requirements
* Final Year or Post Part I (completed) microbiology trainee
* Intent in completing RCPA Certificate in Molecular Pathology Modules – Microbiology
* MBBS or equivalent, and must be registrable with the Medical Board of Australia.
* The incumbent must be a registered microbiology trainee with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia.
* Please detail any visa conditions that may have if you are not a permanent resident of Australia.
* We understand that some people may require adjustments to the workplace or the way the work is performed. All applicants are encouraged to advise the panel of any support or reasonable adjustments (e.g. building access, wheelchair access, interpreting services etc.) that may be required.
Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) requirements
* It will be a condition of employment for this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated against one or more of the following vaccine preventable diseases during their employment: Hepatitis A & B, Measles, Mumps, Pertussis, Rubella and Varicella.
* Existing staff that are engaged prior to 1 July 2016 are not subject to this condition of employment unless they apply for a role with VPD requirements that is with a different Queensland Health entity (i.e. one HHD to another HHS, department to a HHS, or HHS to department).
What is on offer?
* Up to 12.75% employer superannuation
* 14% annual leave loading
* 5 weeks annual leave
* Vocational training subsidy
* Salary packaging (where applicable)
Additional Information – how to apply
Please provide the following information to the panel to assess your suitability:
* Your resume, including the names and contact details of two referees who have a thorough knowledge of your capabilities, work performance and conduct within the previous two years, and it is preferable to include your current, immediate or past supervisor.
* A short statement (maximum two pages) that gives details of your skills, experience and knowledge as required on the role description under the heading "key competencies (role specific criteria)".
The RCPA is the leading organisation representing Pathologists and Senior Scientists in Australasia.
Its mission is to train and support pathologists and senior scientists and to improve the use of pathology testing to achieve better healthcare.
The RCPA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging.
The RCPA acknowledges the rangatiratanga of Māori as tangata whenua and Treaty of Waitangi partners in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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