About the Job

Medical Scientist (Pathology) are integral to the continuum of health care provided to ADF members. They are part of the health care team and assist in the treatment of injuries or illnesses within the limits of their scope of clinical practice.

Medical Scientist (Pathology) assist in the diagnosis, monitoring and prevention of disease through the analysis of biological specimens requested by Medical or Dental Officers under direct and indirect supervision but within their scope of practice/protocols/guidelines and the limitations of their equipment and the availability of resources. They must be capable of making immediate decisions concerning the pathological specimens and take independent action during emergency situations.

Medical Scientist (Pathology) may work as a member of a small specialist medical team or as an individual. They have contact with medical practitioners and patients and are required to maintain confidentiality whilst being tactful and compassionate. They must be able to communicate effectively in a professional manner both verbally and in writing to maintain effective relationships with superiors and subordinates, including civilian and international force elements with diverse cultural and political backgrounds as part of a coalition force.

Medical Scientist (Pathology) perform their duties in a broad spectrum of environments and there is a requirement that they adapt to a range of workplace conditions and perform their duties wherever and whenever the provision is warranted. Medical Scientists (Pathology) will perform their duties in a range of environments from purpose built fixed medical facilities to deployable mobile health facilities in the land and maritime environment. Normal working conditions include those encountered on operations, training exercises, and in barracks. There is an expectation that Medical Scientist (Pathology) will operate under the same working conditions as the organisation that they are allocated to support.

As a Medical Scientist (Pathology) you will be posted to one of Army’s field deployable hospital units. As an Army Medical Scientist (Pathology) you may also have opportunities to be assigned to a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) amphibious vessel. Officers selected for these appointments are based out of Sydney (Garden Island). Medical Scientist's (Pathology) selected for these appointments are more experienced Officers who have had previous postings. Members posted to RAN capabilities can expect to be at sea for extended periods of time supporting training exercises and operational deployments.


This entry method is currently not recruiting

Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

Salary & Allowances

In the Army you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.


For more details download our Salary Scales.


Locations

Positions for Medical Scientist (Pathology) are located at:

  • 2nd General Health Battalion, Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane, QLD
  • 3rd Health Support Battalion ARes (Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane)
  • Headquarters Joint Health Command, Campbell Offices, Canberra, ACT

Requirements

Age

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.

Education & Experience

Medical Scientist (Pathology) require a Bachelor of Medical Science Degree (exact title may vary) and accreditation with the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) to be eligible.

The Science Degree must include extensive theoretical and practical assessment in the following clinical areas.

  • Haematology
  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology/Serology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunohematology (Blood Banking)

The degree course must be accredited by AIMS or the candidate must have qualifications that enable full professional membership with AIMS. Further information on membership, accredited university undergraduate and graduate degree courses, and bridging courses can be found by accessing the AIMS website.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.

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.

Period of Service

You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of three years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation.

Your Careers Coach can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

The Specialist Service Officer Course is conducted at the Royal Military College - Duntroon and provides Regular and Reserve Force Specialist Service Officers with fundamental knowledge of leadership, command and control, unit and personnel administration, basic military skills and the ideals of officer behaviour and attitudes necessary for future employment.

The ARA course is 42 days of training and currently conducted in the first half of the training year.

During RMC (Military Training) members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities.

Physical Fitness Levels

All trainees attending training at RMC are required to participate in an Initial Fitness Assessment (IFA) on arrival at RMC.

This is an entry level requirement for all courses conducted at RMC. The IFA is based on a shuttle run, push ups and sit ups and is designed to determine whether trainees are at the minimum required standard to complete training at RMC. Due to the unique nature of training at RMC, trainees who do not demonstrate the base line levels of the assessment may be withdrawn from training and RTU. If you do not pass the IFA, you will be medically reviewed by the RMC Doctor and you will be advised if you are able to continue with training.

For further details on physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF.

Employment Training

Logistic Officer Basic Course (Health)

You will undertake the Regimental Officer Basic Course Health in the first 12 months of your appointment. The course is a 3 week residential course conducted at the Army Logistic Training Centre in the Albury/Wodonga region.

Further Training

Medical Scientists may also be required to undergo further training in areas such as advanced blood transfusion procedures.


This entry method is currently not recruiting

Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

Salary Information

In the Army you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your salary increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you could receive a variety of allowances specific to your service - plus superannuation at a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.

Your starting salary

When you first join the Army and while studying for your degree at the university of your choice, you will be paid:

With 4 years to graduation: $35,326 per year
With 3 years to graduation: $41,606 per year
With 2 years to graduation: $47,886 per year
In final year: $54,166 per year

Your salary will continue to increase based on your rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. Your pay grade may also increase following the acquisition of additional skills and completion of further training.

In addition to this package you will receive free medical and dental care, substantial housing and accommodation subsidies.

Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.

Locations

Positions for Army Medical Scientist -Pathology are at:

  • 2 General Health Support Battalion (2 HSB) Enoggera, QLD
  • 3 Health Support Battalion ARes (Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane)
  • Headquarters Joint Health Command, Campbell Offices, Canberra, ACT

Requirements

Age

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.

Education & Experience

Eligible Medical Scientist (Pathology) candidates must be studying a Bachelor of Medical Science Degree (exact title may vary) that will lead to accreditation with the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).

The Science Degree must include extensive theoretical and practical assessment in the following clinical areas.

  • Haematology
  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology/Serology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunohematology (Blood Banking)

The degree course must be accredited by AIMS or the candidate must have qualifications that enable full professional membership with AIMS. Further information on membership, accredited university undergraduate and graduate degree courses, and bridging courses can be found by accessing the AIMS website.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.

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.

Period of Service

Undergraduates will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service equalling the length of sponsorship plus an additional 365 days.

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

The Specialist Service Officer Course is conducted at the Royal Military College - Duntroon and provides Specialist Service Officers with fundamental knowledge of leadership, command and control, unit and personnel administration, basic military skills and the ideals of officer behaviour and attitudes necessary for future employment.

The course is 42 days of training and currently conducted in the first half of the training year.

During RMC (Military Training) members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities.

Physical Fitness Levels

All trainees attending training at RMC are required to participate in an Initial Fitness Assessment (IFA) on arrival at RMC.

This is an entry level requirement for all courses conducted at RMC. The IFA is based on a shuttle run, push ups and sit ups and is designed to determine whether trainees are at the minimum required standard to complete training at RMC. Due to the unique nature of training at RMC, trainees who do not demonstrate the base line levels of the assessment may be withdrawn from training and RTU. If you do not pass the IFA, you will be medically reviewed by the RMC Doctor and you will be advised if you are able to continue with training.

For further details on physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF.

Employment Training

Logistic Officers Basic Course: 2 Weeks

After training at RMC, you will attend the Logistic Officers Basic course at ALTC Bonegilla, Victoria. This course will provide you with the necessary training and information to apply your professional skills in a military environment.

Officers identified for potential service with the Army positions posted to Royal Australian Navy ship capabilities will have to be prepared for additional maritime training activities.

Further Training

Medical Scientist – Pathology may also be required to undergo further training in areas such as malaria microscopic diagnosis and advanced blood transfusion procedures.