The Team
The Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) is Tasmania’s largest hospital and a major tertiary referral, teaching and research centre. The Microbiology Laboratory within RHH provides a comprehensive diagnostic microbiology service supporting patients across the hospital, as well as referral services for healthcare facilities throughout Tasmania.
The Microbiology Laboratory plays an important role in the diagnosis, treatment and management of infectious diseases, providing timely and accurate microbiology testing to support clinical decision-making and patient care. The laboratory also contributes to public health surveillance, antimicrobial resistance monitoring and infection prevention and control activities across Tasmania.
As part of the broader Pathology service, the Microbiology Laboratory works closely with clinicians, infection prevention and control teams, public health services, other laboratories and external stakeholders to support high-quality patient care. The laboratory is committed to maintaining professional excellence, quality and innovation while supporting the education and development of the current and future pathology workforce.
Through collaboration across clinical and laboratory services, the Microbiology Laboratory contributes to improved health outcomes for patients, the workforce and the Tasmanian community.
The Role
As part of a team delivering high-quality pathology services at Royal Hobart Hospital in accordance with Agency polices, legal requirements and relevant professional competencies, the Deputy Scientist in Charge will provide high level support to the Scientist in Charge in the provision of:
- Leadership and direction in the strategic development and management of the Microbiology laboratory.
- Effective management of specified human and physical resources for a team of scientists and technicians delivering a pathology service
- Day-to-day management of the laboratory, including scientific and technical activity, staff and equipment resources, and sole the more complex technical and scientific problems as they arise during the routine operation of the laboratory.
- Expert advice to the Department Management Group on matters of staff performance and operational objectives to facilitate Department objectives.
Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.
You will need
- Extensive experience in the field of diagnostic microbiology including an in-depth and detailed level of knowledge regarding all aspects of Laboratory Microbiology.
- Relevant post graduate qualifications in the field of diagnostic microbiology eg: PhD, FAIMS/FASM or MSc.
- Demonstrated leadership including the ability to coordinate, organise, plan and direct staff and their workload to achieve organisational objectives.
Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.
Why Tasmania
The Department of Health Tasmania oversees various hospitals across the state, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, and Mersey Community Hospital, as well as district hospitals and ambulance services. Additionally, it provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites.
Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.
Details of appointment
Permanent full-time shift worker position, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing no later than 23 November 2026.
*Notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.
Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.
Salary
$131122 to $138984 per annum. Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.
- Salary range is in accordance with Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement No. 2 of 2025
Salary Packaging
You’ll have access to salary package a range of benefits including living expenses up to $9,010 + $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year + other benefits if eligible.
Allowances
- Please note that access to salaries beyond $135,445 is subject to qualifications and/or application to the personal upgrade scheme
In addition, the following allowances calculated on the salaried incremental point may be available:
- Professional Development Allowance of up to $1200 per annum, paid on a fortnightly, pro rata basis.
Benefits available to eligible candidates
- Professional development and accelerated pathways.
- A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
- Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.
More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here
Eligibility
Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria.
- Tertiary qualification/program of study in Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, Science or Applied Science or equivalent suitable to the position from a recognised institution.
- Eligible for membership with a relevant professional body such as Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists, Australasian Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, The Australian Society for Microbiology, Human Genetics Society of Australasia or the Australian Society of Cytology.
*Registration/licences that are essential requirements of this role must remain current and valid at all times whilst employed in this role and the status of these may be checked at any time during employment. It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure that registration/licences remain current and to advise the Employer if their circumstances change. This includes notifying the Employer if a registration/licence is revoked, cancelled or has its conditions altered.
Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:
- Significant experience in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory including bacteriology, serology, mycobacteriology and mycology.
- Relevant post graduate qualification e.g., PHD, FAIMS/FASM or MSc
Applicants should note the position features:
- The occupant of this position is required to participate in an on-call and after-hours roster including weekends and public holidays.
Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.
Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents
We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.
Statement of Duties:
Application Guide:
How to apply
Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.
You will be prompted to complete a 1-2 page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.
For more information
Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.
Belinda McEwan
Scientist in Charge - Microbiology
(03) 6166 8909
belinda.mcewan@ths.tas.gov.au
What it is like working at the Department of Health?
Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!
Move to Tasmania | Tasmanian
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Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian
Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).
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