Medical Scientist - Microbiology (Grade 1)

The Hospital:

The Royal Children’s Hospital’s (RCH) Vision is “A world where all kids thrive”.

RCH is a cornerstone member of the Melbourne Children’s Campus, partnering with Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics and The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

RCH has cared for the children and young people of Victoria for more than 150 years since it was founded in 1870. A full range of paediatrics and adolescent health services are provided plus tertiary and quaternary care for the most critically ill and medically complex patients in Victoria, Tasmania, southern NSW and other states around Australia and overseas. The Hospital has more than 6,000 staff, a budget of $850M, 12 wards and 350 beds. Annually, the RCH has 300,000+ Specialist Clinic appointments, 90,000+ Emergency Department presentations and 20,000 elective surgeries.

The RCH is committed to the Child Safe Standards. 

RCH enjoys high employee engagement and is committed to staff safety and a positive culture through enactment of our Compact.

For further Information on RCH is available here.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Grade 1 Medical Scientist to join our dedicated bacteriology team on a full time fixed term basis until 22/01/2027

Your role will be to participate in the day to day operation of the laboratory

The Bacteriology Laboratory currently operates 0700-2400 seven days a week

The successful applicant will participate in rotating rosters covering all shifts including public holidays and on call

Classification for this position will range from Grade 1 Year 1- Grade 1 Year 7 (RX1-RX7).

What You'll Achieve:

• Perform accurate pathology testing supporting safe and timely patient diagnosis and management 
• Attend, participate in and successfully complete training provided by the department and the hospital
• Contribue to quality, safety and continuous improvement initiatives
• Work in a collaborative team environment with respect for other members of the team to achieve service goals

Your Skills and Experience:

• Hold a Bachelor Degree in Science/Medical Laboratory Science or an equivalent qualification. Major in Microbiology is desirable
• Qualify for professional scientist membership of Australian Institute of Medical Scientists or the Australian Society for Microbiology
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in a clinical microbiology laboratory is highly regarded and in particular in  paediatric and or obstetrics/gynecology
• Ability to multitask and sucessfully work as part of a team
• Customer focussed approach with well developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Be available and demonstrate flexibility to participate in rotating rosters including on call duty

If this sounds like you, click here to view the position description.

About the Department:

The Microbiology Laboratories, within the Department of Laboratory Services, provide comprehensive, high quality diagnostic microbiological services to both the Royal Children's and the Royal Women's Hospital.  The Microbiology Laboratories consist of bacteriology, serology and molecular microbiology employing more than 40 staff.

What we Offer:

• Excellent employee benefits including: salary packaging, discounted on-site car parking and Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive environment with culture of continuous improvement 

Other Requirements:

• Current National Criminal Record Check, or willing to obtain
• Valid Working with Children Check
• Compliance with RCHs “Staff Immunisation - Prevention of Vaccine Preventable Diseases” procedure

Application Process:
To apply, you will need a resume and a tailored cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the position in line with the requirements of the position description. Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately, we encourage you to apply promptly! If you are shortlisted we will be in touch to organise an interview. All unsuccessful applicants will be notified.
For more information about this position please contact Gena Gonis Principal Scientist  Email: gena.gonis@rch.org.au 

Victorian Department of Health has endorsed the initiative to restructure existing public pathology by bringing together laboratories into pathology networks operating under a lead health service. 

Pathology services from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital will transition to a single pathology service.  This creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen the scope, scale and reach of pathology services across the Parkville precinct to benefit all Victorians.

This role will be part of the new centre of excellence that will be led by Melbourne Health

Why work at the RCH?

RCH enjoys high employee engagement and is committed to staff safety and a positive culture through enactment of our Compact. We offer the opportunity to work in world-class facilities, surrounded by Royal Park and only a short tram trip from the heart of Melbourne city.

We also offer discounted staff parking, salary packaging, and an award-winning health and wellbeing program.

The RCH is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse background, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with disability.

It is a requirement of your employment that you be vaccinated against Influenza annually for Category A and B roles, in compliance with any public health orders in place at the relevant time, unless you have a medical exception in line with those public health orders, which has been accepted by The Royal Children’s Hospital.  Applicants will be required to provide their Australian Government Immunisation History Statement, it is a requirement of the RCH to collect, record and hold vaccination information.

It is also a requirement of your employment that you comply with any direction given by The Royal Children’s Hospital that you be vaccinated against, or prove immunity to, any other disease, unless you have a relevant exemption, and offers of employment are conditional on successful completion of background checks including reference checks. 

Are you ready to join our team? 

 Apply online by clicking on the “Apply” button

Applications close 26 February 2026