Medical Scientist (Pathology)
As a Medical Scientist (Pathology), your primary responsibilities are to prepare and analyse various types of biological specimens to produce diagnostic reports that will assist in the diagnosis of disease and adverse conditions.
What you'll do
As part of your daily tasks, you'll advise clinicians on the interpretation of laboratory reports and further investigations. You'll work in well-equipped, multi-disciplinary hospital laboratories, providing diagnostic support on deployments and exercises in a range of environments within Australia and overseas.
Your duties may include:
- routine haematology and coagulation investigations
- routine blood serology, crossmatching and screening services in support of emergency and surgery
- routine chemistry and serology analysis
- blood product management for the ADF Frozen Blood capability
- managing laboratory resources
- infectious disease analysis of biological samples
- maintain instrumentation integrity through regular maintenance and repair
- quality control management in accordance with National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Air Force will provide you with leadership, management and communications training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related skills. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Air Force.
You’ll undertake career and specialist training courses, review relevant literature as well as attend meetings and conferences to remain current in your field.
As an officer in the Air Force, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
Following training, you’ll be based at No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, RAAF Base Amberley, Qld. Along with unit duties, you may work at the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory located at Gallipoli Barracks Brisbane, Qld.
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I could follow my passion for science and join an organisation I’ve always wanted to join.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 58 years.
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
The minimum requirement for entry into this role is a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (exact title may vary). The degree must include extensive theoretical and practical assessment in the following clinical areas:
- transfusion practices
- haematology
- biochemistry
- Stat microbiology and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- immunology/serology.
A biomedical or single discipline science degree is not acceptable.
You must have obtained tertiary qualification endorsed by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) or passed the AIMS Qualification Assessment for a multi-disciplinary scientist. A list of approved Australian tertiary qualifications and the assessment process are listed on the AIMS website.
You will also need to have completed a minimum of 2 years postgraduate on-the-job training (OJT) in a major multi-discipline civilian laboratory as part of your formal consolidation training and have current experience in your job skills.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months' notice.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you will apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you will undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Course: Operational Health Support Course
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: Health Operational Conversion Unit (HOCU), RAAF Base Amberley, Qld
This course includes a 4-day field phase and will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to deploy an operational health support facility. Subjects include:
- Operational Health Support
- instruction on the various levels of health support available
- personal and collective preparation for deployment
- logistics and administrative considerations
- establishing and running a deployed health facility.
As part of your ongoing training and progressions, you'll be required to attend regular clinical placement in major pathology laboratories to enhance skill sets.
You’ll also participate in inter-departmental rotations, update training records and attend regular clinical placement in major pathology laboratories to enhance your skills.