Rotational Scientist- Public Health Microbiology

Take the next step in your career with this exciting opportunity within Queensland Health!

What you'll do

As the Rotational Scientist – Public Health Microbiology, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality public health microbiology services through the analysis of food, water, and clinical specimens. Working both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, you will perform a diverse range of routine to complex laboratory testing, including advanced public health microbiology procedures such as the processing and interpretation of results for organisms including Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Legionella species. You will contribute to staff training and competency development, provide supervision and support to team members, and assist with coordinating workflows, particularly during outbreak responses. In partnership with Supervising Scientists, you will support laboratory and team management activities while maintaining compliance with accreditation and certification standards, including NATA, ISO, NPAAC, SSBA, and DAFF requirements. You will also participate in quality improvement initiatives, proficiency testing programs, equipment calibration, audits, and the implementation of new guidelines, ensuring the delivery of efficient, effective, and high-quality laboratory services. Additionally, you will uphold relevant policies, procedures, and professional standards, including workplace health and safety, equal employment opportunity, and the Code of Conduct, while contributing to broader Public and Environmental Health priorities as required.

About you

We are searching for someone who has:

• Demonstrated high-level knowledge and skill in the delivery of scientific judgement within the Public Health Microbiology laboratory utilising a range of complex technical skills on clinical specimens/isolates, food and water microbiology, including culture of notifiable and emerging bacterial pathogens.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective communication in verbal and written form, with negotiation and consultation skills in matters relating to laboratory testing e.g. use of databases, laboratory information systems, communicating with staff and clients.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team and apply evidence-based practice to support continuous improvement including the training and supervision of junior staff.
• Demonstrate ability to perform testing and contribute to method development whilst demonstrating a commitment to the principles of quality management and continuous quality improvement within NATA/ISO 17025/15189 and NPAAC/DAFF accreditation.

Why work with us?

Work alongside passionate professionals in a supportive and inclusive environment that values people and prioritises employee success and wellbeing. This includes

Competitive salaries

• 12.75% superannuation
• 17.5% leave loading

Employee wellbeing

• Access to 24/7 confidential employee support providers and counsellors including for immediate family members
• Additional flexibility to support your work life balance including access to generous leave entitlements, such as purchased leave, domestic violence leave, reproductive health leave, cultural leave, study and examination leave.

Professional development

• Career progression with more than 300 diverse career pathways and career support to take you further!
• Access to a variety of programs and initiatives to support training and career growth.
• Grow your skills through hands-on experience and access to internal training opportunities and additional financial and leave benefits for approved external training and development.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Queensland Health, our work environment is inclusive and supportive, and we value our employees. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all cultures, abilities and backgrounds.

Our commitment to cultural safety, equity, diversity and inclusion means we understand some people may need changes to the recruitment process. If you need support during the recruitment process, such as meeting with the panel virtually instead of in person, please reach out to the hiring manager. We value diverse candidates and your need for adjustments will not affect our hiring decisions. 

Ready to apply?

For further information on how to apply please review the attached Role Description.