Head of Unit - Chemical Pathology

Head of Unit – Chemical PathologyUniverse Search is partnering with Victoria’s largest and most comprehensive health service, Monash Health. For more than 170 years, Monash Health and its predecessors have provided safe, high-quality healthcare and service for people at every life stage.Monash Health are currently seeking to appoint a new Head of Unit – Chemical Pathology to provide clinical leadership, strategic oversight and operational management across Monash Health’s Chemical Pathology and Biochemistry services.
About Monash Chemical PathologyMonash Chemical Pathology is arguably the broadest discipline in the field of Pathology involving study of the biochemical basis of disease with particular emphasis on metabolic and endocrine diseases as well as nutrition and toxicology. The Department of Chemical Pathology and primary biochemistry laboratory is located at Monash Medical Centre Clayton, with branch laboratories at Moorabbin, Dandenong, Casey, Victorian Heart Hospital and Wonthaggi and a large network of Point Of Care devices for chemical pathology testing. Approximately 5,200 samples per day are received from a full range of general and specialist services covering medical and surgical programs, obstetrics & gynaecology, paediatrics and neonatal services.
About the OpportunityReporting to the Program Medical Director – Pathology, you will lead the delivery of high-quality, safe, effective and contemporary Chemical Pathology and Biochemistry services across Monash Health. You will play a key role in ensuring strong clinical governance, accreditation and operational performance while working collaboratively across Monash Health and the Alfred/Monash Shared Pathology Service. This is an opportunity to lead a high-performing service within a leading academic health service, contributing to excellence in patient care, education, research, workforce development and innovation.
Role and ResponsibilitiesProvide clinical leadership, active involvement and specialist consultation for patient care.Set the strategic direction and lead the delivery of high quality care for Chemical Pathology.Ensure services meet NPAAC, NATA and relevant regulatory and accreditation requirements.Lead service improvement, innovation, risk management and workforce planning initiatives.Provide leadership and development to pathology employees, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Promote and support teaching, training, research within Chemical Pathology.Contribute to operational and financial management, ensuring resources are used effectively.Build strong relationships with clinicians, medical and scientific colleagues, patients and families, universities, external laboratories and other healthcare organisations.
About youYou will be an experienced Chemical Pathologist and clinical leader or an upcoming leader in chemical pathology, with a strong commitment to patient care, service excellence and the ongoing development of pathology services.
Key Selection CriteriaAHPRA registration and Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).Experience in Chemical Pathology, including diagnostic practice, ideally teaching and research.Demonstrated leadership experience within a substantial clinical or laboratory service.High-level clinical competence and knowledge of contemporary developments in Chemical Pathology.Experience leading services within accreditation and regulatory requirements.Demonstrated success in service improvement, innovation and workforce development.Excellent written and verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills.A record of research, education and professional leadership.
Desirable An adjunct academic appointment or academic leadership experience is desirable. Why Monash Health?Monash Health is a leading academic health service with more than 24,000 people, providing more than 250 integrated services across over 50 locations and in the community.Monash Health is committed to integrating research, teaching and training into everyday practice and to delivering safe, equitable care through world-leading expertise.Monash Health are Full Hearted, Open Minded and All In, enabling excellent service delivery and a positive candidate and employee experience every time.
Next StepsUniverse Search has been engaged by Monash Health to support this key appointment.For more information, please refer to the Position Description or please contact Kane King, Director at Universe at kane@universesearch.com.au or on +61 411 722 487 for a confidential discussion.
How to ApplyIf you are an experienced Chemical Pathologist ready to provide strategic, operational and clinical leadership within one of Victoria’s leading health services, we would love to hear from you. All applicants should submit via email to kane@universesearch.com.auAn updated CVA cover letter or statement (maximum two pages) addressing the dot points under the Qualifications, registrations and licences heading as well as the Technical skills, knowledge and experience heading within the Person Specification section of the PD. Applications close on Friday 18th September, 2026. Interviews are anticipated to commence in late September or early October. Monash Health proudly embraces all backgrounds, cultures, sexualities, genders and abilities. We are committed to a fair and inclusive workplace that maximises the talent, potential and contribution of all.Applicants must meet Monash Health credentialling, employment screening, right-to-work and other applicable pre-employment requirements.