Hospital Scientist (Sydney Genome Diagnostics)

Organisation: The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network

Job Title: Hospital Scientist (Sydney Genome Diagnostics)

Word Limit: 350 to 500 words per criterion

Location: Westmead

Bachelor of Science or Applied Science (or equivalent)

I am a tertiary qualified Scientific Officer with over four years of experience working within laboratory facilities. My formal qualifications consist of a Bachelor of Medical Science from the University of Canberra, and a Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing) from Canberra Institute of Technology. The technical and theoretical knowledge that I have gained from these qualifications have facilitated my ability to undertake accurate and efficient testing of specimens, quality assurance and instrumentation, as well as other duties as required throughout my career. I am experienced in using the latest automated technologies for aiding medical practitioners in the diagnosis, monitoring and prevention of disease through the analysis of biological specimens.

My qualifications have been extensively utilised throughout my career, including my current position as Scientific Officer for Laverty Pathology, which is a comprehensive medical laboratory and pathology practice. Within this role I am responsible for the analysis of specimens, as well as reporting and interpretation of results to referring practitioners. The range of tests that I conduct extends from routine tests such as cholesterol level haematology testing, to highly complex gene‑based and molecular testing utilising biochemistry. The tests that I perform make it possible for the treating practitioners to prevent illness, diagnose disease, guide treatment pathways, monitor disease progression, and to confirm patient recovery. Whilst undertaking my role as Scientific Officer, I work in compliance and adherence with strict Laverty Pathology policies and procedures, in addition to Workplace Health and Safety procedures. This includes ensuring that all specimens are stored correctly and at the right temperature, as well as undertaking an extensive internal Quality Control Program throughout all areas of testing. I process all specimens in accordance to the AS4308 standards, the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), and the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC) requirements and guidelines, to ensure consistent best practice with reliable testing, calibration, and measurement and inspection data. Furthermore, I am responsible for maintaining supplies of consumable stock and do so in a manner that both meets Workplace Health and Safety standards, as well as maintain adequate stock levels to ensure uninterrupted service.

In my previous position as Scientific Officer for Capital Pathology Canberra, I worked in the specimen collection area of a multidisciplinary department comprising haematology, biochemistry, immunology, and microbiology where I utilised the knowledge and experience gained from my formal qualifications. Within this role I was required to collect labelled specimens that arrived in the laboratory with their completed pathology request forms and issue them to the correct department in a timely manner, as well as providing advice to clients for clarity and explanation of procedures. Additionally, I utilised the knowledge gained from my qualifications in order to troubleshoot within the collection reception area to locate missing specimens or to arrange collection of additional specimens when problem samples were delivered. This required high‑levels of technical knowledge in order to ensure best practice at all times, as well as the provision of accurate advice to all stakeholders involved.

Demonstrated experience in relevant benchwork skills including reagent preparation, equipment monitoring and record keeping

 My benchwork experience has played an integral role in my ongoing success as a Scientific Officer, and I have demonstrated skills and experience in reagent preparation, equipment monitoring and record keeping. These skills enable me to expertly maintain and use all equipment necessary to carry out laboratory functions. Experienced in Haematology, I analyse the cellular content, coagulation and immunological aspects of blood using sophisticated computer driven analysers with the purpose of obtaining the primary blood cell count. I then examine the blood films to provide an accurate and comprehensive range of results. Furthermore, I am experienced in Biochemistry where I undertake the routine testing of body fluids. I work with a variety of specimens, including whole blood, serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and synovial fluid which are analysed for a variety of biochemical parameters in order to asses a patient’s health status.

I am highly skilled in reagent preparation and have the demonstrated ability to prepare reagents accurately. My competency is demonstrated through my consistent use of clean glass and plastic ware, using high-purity reagents, safe handling of chemicals and biochemicals, using high-purity distilled or deionized water, accurate weighing, pipetting, and pH measurements, as well as avoidance of chemical or microbial contamination of reagents by using sterile reagents. I am skilled and experienced in preparation of reagents for the following equipment;

• Biochemistry: Beckman Coulter Analyser and Beckman Coulter Immunoassay
• Haematology: Symex CA–500

When preparing reagents I ensure that I follow procedural and documentation guidelines. For example when preparing coagulation reagents required for analysis with the Symex CA–500, I follow the relevant guidelines which advise me to dissolve the reagent in ten millilitres of distilled water, leave to sit for 45 minutes on the bench, then refrigerate for ten minutes prior to use. My diverse knowledge of reagent preparation ensures that I am well prepared for all analyses that I conduct. When undertaking all tasks I am stringent with documentation and record keeping, ensuring that I provide a clear audit trail that demonstrates that certain activities have taken place, and that my testing is accurate, precise and reliable. I maintain timely and concise records, using computerised and hard copy records, of all work that I carry out. The records contain information, including all pre-analytical variables, the preparation of materials and reagents, control and calibration procedures, reportable ranges, normal values and critical values, corrective actions, references, reporting results, in addition to any downtime procedures.

As a Scientific Officer, I undertake equipment monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, and arrange for an engineer to undertake preventative maintenance on a monthly basis in order to optimise laboratory operations. This monitoring and maintenance ensures that all equipment performs consistently and reproducibly, which is paramount in providing accurate and reliable results. In addition to undertaking routine cleaning and checking, I check the automated equipment monitoring system and complete prompted tasks. When undertaking equipment monitoring, I document all scheduled preventative maintenance, unscheduled maintenance, service records, and calibrations for all equipment utilised.

Demonstrated time management and organisational skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills

Whilst undertaking the autonomous role of Scientific Officer, I consistently demonstrate my time management and organisational skills. Within my current role I am responsible for identifying specimens that have specific reporting needs, often within tight timeframes to complete my analysis. This position requires high-level organisation skills, and I regularly use my strong negotiation skills in busy periods to confer with the collection reception area to forward urgent specimens only. This enables me to complete analyses on time against competing priorities. My skills in this area were demonstrated recently when I received a high volume of specimens in one day. I contacted the collection reception area and asked them to send through to me urgent specimens only, and to transfer the less urgent specimens to the Sydney laboratory. Through taking this action I was able to complete the urgent analyses and provide the results within a strict timeframe. I undertake my role with limited supervision and make certain that all specimens that are received at the laboratory are actioned as soon as possible. Working with three benches enables me to multitask effectively and I have honed my organisational skills through completing all data entry prior to commencing my analyses. This has proved to shorten the entire testing process, and provides me with sufficient time to conduct repeat analyses in the case of abnormal or unsatisfactory results.

 

Throughout my career I have demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills which have allowed me to effortlessly develop constructive working relationships with other scientists, administrative and clinical staff, as well as external customers. I utilise these skills in order to communicate routine results to authorised enquirers regarding the meaning of abnormal results, or why certain results have been delayed. Furthermore, I am often contacted by nursing staff, specimen collectors and patients for advice as to how best collect certain specimens. For example, I have recently been contacted by a hospital requesting education regarding cardiac biomarkers and their optimal use in diagnosing patients. I clearly communicated a cardiac biomarker strategy that the hospital could utilise as part of their evaluation of patients. I ensured that I articulated the information in a clear and concise manner, and provided the caller with opportunities to ask questions if necessary to make certain that they understood my explanation.

When communication with others, particularly those that do not have a technical background, I have found using analogies to be helpful in explaining complex or technical information. Additionally, I use active listening techniques to repeat information back to make certain that I have correctly heard what my clients have requested. My written communication is demonstrated on a daily basis through the documentation and reports that I author. I write in a scientific style of writing which is clear and to the point, and that my audience will readily understand. I often write to various levels, including high-level scientists, or suppliers, and external customers, and I am adept at identifying my audience and adapting my style and tone accordingly.

Demonstrated experience in diagnostic clinical cytogenetics, including tissue culture, chromosome harvesting and G-band analysis of blood, bone marrow, prenatal and other tissues. Experience in FISH would be an advantage

My demonstrated experience in diagnostic clinical cytogenetics, including tissue culture, chromosome harvesting and G-band analysis of blood, bone marrow, prenatal and other tissues, stems from theoretical knowledge and practical experience that I gained during my university studies. Whilst undertaking my Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Canberra, I participated extensively in the Cytogenetics G course. This provided me with significant experience in the study of chromosome via microscopic analysis of the karyotype, and included theory and techniques in human chromosome analysis.

The methods that I used to identify and analyse individual cytogenic alterations included;

• Common syndromes due to structural alterations translocations
• Common syndromes due to numerical chromosome changes
• Common chromosome abnormalities in cancer
• Banding and nomenclature of banding
• Nomenclature of aberrant karyotypes
• Pathology of human chromosomes
• Microdeletion
• Duplications
• Fragile sites
• Deletions

 

The practical sessions that I participated in included cell culture and chromosome preparation, hands-on karyotyping of human chromosomes and Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Furthermore, I took the opportunity to undertake professional development and a work placement at Canberra Hospital where I was able to observe and ask questions regarding all aspects of diagnostic clinical cytogenetics, including tissue culture, chromosome harvesting and G-band analysis of blood, bone marrow, prenatal and other tissues. Additionally, I experienced working on most stations within the hospital, including urine microscopy, working on the BACTEC machine for blood cultures, staining of samples to detect parasites, plate reading, and performing biochemical tests.

 

Upon successful completion of this unit, my learning outcomes included;

 

• Demonstrated advanced knowledge regarding human cytogenetics and human disease
• The ability to perform human cell culture, chromosome preparations, karyotyping and FISH analysis of human chromosomes
• The ability to diagnose and interpret pathology of human chromosomes, including chromosome aberrations, trisomy and rearrangements
• An understanding of and ability to investigate the cause and effect of chromosome abnormalities and associated human diseases
• A demonstrated professional knowledge of the cytogenic disorders and clinical diagnosis

 

I value the knowledge and experience that I gained from this course and have retained the skills gained throughout my career as a Scientific Officer. I am confident that my knowledge combined with my current skill set will easily transfer to facilitate my ability to undertake tissue culture with aseptic technique and carry out chromosome analysis by microscope and/or digitally captured images from computerised systems.

Aptitude and demonstrated experience with computers and software applications including Microsoft, Pathnet Classic, Millennium or similar LIMS

 

Having worked as a Scientific Officer for over four years I have demonstrated my capacity, and have gained experience using computers, software applications and a variety of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). My role as a Scientific Officer requires that I maintain up-to-date and accurate computerised records at all times, and my ability to utilise relevant computer and software applications ensures that this task is effortlessly integrated in my day‑to‑day duties. I effectively use all systems required to perform a multitude of tasks, from test initiation stage, to printing barcodes and navigating test results. My aptitude is clearly demonstrated through my competency in operating a variety of complex electronic equipment, computers and precision instruments.

I have high-level skills in the use of all Microsoft applications, in particular Microsoft Excel. Spreadsheets enable me to perform complex calculations and provide interpretive information for reporting purposes. Moreover, my utilising Microsoft Excel I can clearly record, catalogue, analyse and store test data and use this data easily for correlation purposes. I additionally utilise Microsoft Excel to enhance my organisational skills within the laboratory. This is achieved by maintaining databases for keeping track of my stock levels and materials, as well as any noteworthy findings.

As a Scientific Officer with Laverty Pathology, I utilise a variety of LIMS as listed below;

• Triple G ULTRA is the patient database system that we use and it is a comprehensive end-to-end clinical information system spanning all care areas. This is a comprehensive system that allows me to effectively manage all areas of my laboratory process, including identification, tracking and routing of specimens, managing workflow, and aggregating test results across sites and platforms.
• I use iNetLab to translate my results which are then accessible by the practitioners who request the tests. By ensuring that my data entry is competed in an accurate and timely manner, the use of iNetLab facilitates my ability to provide high levels of customer service to my clients.
• Medway is an interactive application that provides secure online and single-point access to diagnostic results, physician tools and healthcare services. This is a web-based application where subsequent to reviewing my results, the system automatically downloads to physician websites in real time.

 For quality control data management, I use Unity Pathway which facilitates regulatory compliance and data reviews through validation and comprehensive audit trails. The use of this application ensures that I am able to constantly monitor the reliability and precision of all testing systems that I use in the laboratory.

Whilst working for Capital Pathology Canberra, I gained experience using the Pathology Laboratory System (PLS) from Kestral which is an information management system that automates the transfer of information requests between multiple Pathology disciplines.

I am confident in my current skills, as well as my ability to learn new packages as required, while identifying the most efficient and effective ways of using them. Having self-taught myself in numerous programs in minimal timeframes, I am certain that I will be able to learn new software applications and LIMS as required in the role of Hospital Scientist with The Sydney Children’s Hospital Network.

Demonstrated experience with using other electronic resources for literature searching and using online Genomic databases for data analysis and interpretation

Demonstrating my commitment to continuing professional development, I am highly experienced in using electronic resources in order to keep abreast of current literature relevant to my scope of practice. I consistently frequent the PubMed online database in order to access biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. I utilise these resources to clarify processes or decisions that I make and to keep well informed in my practice as a Scientific Officer. By continually accessing electronic resources for literature, I ensure that I maintain, improve and broaden my knowledge, expertise and competence, as well as remain up-to-date with the rapidly changing field of science. Furthermore, to assist with my continuing education program, I am able to make reference to and research answers using PubMed for the various assignments that I am required to complete. The resources available through electronic and online information systems have assisted me with my ongoing training and education, in addition to providing me with access to countless reference materials, journals and citations.

 

In my current role with Laverty Pathology, I use the in-house intranet for the purpose of data analysis and interpretation, as well as to ensure that the advice that I provide to clients is current and accurate. To ensure that I maintain high standards of contemporary practice, I routinely review protocols and policies prior to embarking on any new procedure or making a decision that I am unsure of. My experience in this area was clearly demonstrated in an instance when a patient had called enquiring about the best time to conduct tests for epilim and lithium. Her practitioner had advised her to contact me to obtain accurate information to facilitate the best timing for her blood test. As I was unsure of that particular answer, I accessed the related electronic procedural resource and informed the patient that the optimal time was six hours post intake of her medication. My ability to access accurate information and provide advice ensured that the patient was able to take her medication at the best time to produce accurate results from the subsequent testing.

Whilst I have not had direct experience in the use of Genomic databases, I am aware of how I can access information regarding genomes, including sequences, maps, chromosomes, assemblies, and annotations. Having frequently utilised similar electronic resources, I am familiar with learning new systems and have the ability to efficiently integrate them into my daily routine. I am confident in my computer literacy and accessing electronic resources, and I am eager to learn and implement new systems as I move forward in my career.