About the Job

The primary responsibilities of the Pathologist (Scientific Officer) are to perform and supervise a range of common pathology laboratory investigations on patients under ADF medical care. The Pathologist is required to advise clinicians on the interpretation of laboratory reports and further investigations.

Typical responsibilities may include:

  • Perform routine haematology investigations
  • Perform routine blood serology, crossmatching and screening services in support of casualty and surgery
  • Perform routine chemistry and serology analysis
  • Perform microbiological analysis of biological samples
  • Manage blood products for the ADF Frozen Blood capability
  • Maintain instrumentation integrity through regular preventative maintenance and minor repairs
  • Manage laboratory resources
  • Perform quality management in accordance with NATA accreditation requirements

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 Air Force 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) for the Royal Australian Air Force are based at:

  • A NATA accredited laboratory located at RAAF Base Amberley, Brisbane, QLD.

Requirements

Age

Applicants must be a minimum of 17 years of age on day of entry. Maximum age on entry is 56 years of age.

Education & Experience

Direct Entry candidates applying to become a Pathologist must hold a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (exact title may vary). A biomedical or single discipline science degree is not acceptable. The degree must include extensive theoretical and practical assessment in the following clinical areas:

  • Haematology
  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology / Serology
  • Microbiology and Immunohaematology (Bloodbanking).

The course must be recognised by AIMS and meet the minimum training requirements as stipulated by AIMS. Recruiting staff will forward candidate's qualifications to the specialisation adviser to ensure they meet RAAF requirements.

Candidates must have completed a minimum of 18 months postgraduate On-Job-Training (OJT) in a major multi-discipline civilian laboratory as part of their formal consolidation training and must have current experience in their job skills. Applicants must also be eligible for member status of the AIMS.

Degree qualified officers normally start their careers at one rank higher that non-graduate officers.

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 two 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 and provide a minimum of three months notice.

Additional Requirements

Licence Requirements:

At a minimum, candidates must hold a valid Australian State or Territory provisional/probationary C Class Drivers Licence upon enlistment/appointment. Candidates with suspended or cancelled licences will not be eligible to join until the suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.

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

Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, VIC
Duration: 12 weeks

Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training you will 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 will 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 will 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 will be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you will 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.

Follow the link for further details.

Employment Training

Operational Health Support course - 2 weeks.

Training in the provision of Operational Health Support is provided at the Operational Health Support and Training Flight, RAAF Base Amberley. The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the deployable health capability and equipment.

Standard Combat Survivability course - 1 week.
Air Force Pathologists may also be required to support the RAN Maritime Operations including aboard their medical receiving facility. One week's training in Standard Combat Survivability is provided at the RAN School of Survivability and Ship Safety, HMAS Cerberus or HMAS Creswell. The aim of this course is to enable members to undertake combat survivability duties at sea under supervision. Other military courses may include helicopter underwater escape training and aero medical evacuation training.
Professional Development.

Specialist training enables members to remain current in their field. Pathologists are expected to undertake both Career and Specialist Training courses as well as attend meetings and conferences that feature pertinent information. The review of literature is also encouraged. It is a category requirement for all Pathologists to participate in inter-departmental rotations and to update training records.

Pathologists will be required to attend regular clinical placement in major pathology laboratories to enhance skill sets.


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 Air Force 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 Air Force 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 Medical Scientist (Pathology) for the Royal Australian Air Force are based at:

  • A NATA accredited laboratory located at RAAF Base Amberley, Brisbane, QLD.

Requirements

Age

The maximum age for entry is such that an applicant must be able to complete their degree, any periods of postgraduate experience, or professional development placements and their Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation incurred under the scheme prior to compulsory retirement age (normally 60 years of age).

Education & Experience

To be eligible for an Air Force Undergraduate sponsorship, applicants must have completed:

  • Year 12 with passes in English and three other Board of Secondary School

Studies registered subjects; and

  • The first year of study (preferably with Semester 1 and 2 results) of a Bachelor Medical Laboratory Science (as per graduate entry)

This entry mode attracts a debt' roughly similar to the maximum rate of HECS costs ($10,000 per annum). In general terms, this debt accrues (increases) whilst you are undertaking study, with the maximum debt reached on completion of study. Once the period of study has ended, the debt begins to acquit (reduce) for the remainder of your Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once the IMPS period is complete, there is no remaining debt.

Applicants who are currently in Year 12, or due to finish Year 12 and are able to provide confirmation of acceptance/enrolment into a relevant degree pathway will be considered on a case by case basis to commence an application. Applicants will then be able to progress to Officer Selection Board prior to gaining first semester university results. All applicants must be able to confirm successful university results before appointment.

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) dependant on your length of sponsorship. 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 and provide a minimum of three months notice.

The length of IMPS in total will depend on the duration of sponsorship. Any requirement for post-graduation experience will be incorporated in your IMPS.

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

Additional Requirements

Licence Requirements:

At a minimum, candidates must hold a valid Australian State or Territory provisional/probationary C Class Drivers Licence upon enlistment/appointment. Candidates with suspended or cancelled licences will not be eligible to join until the suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.

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

Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, VIC
Duration: 1 week Undergraduate Familiarisation Course

During your first year of sponsorship you'll attend a one-week Familiarisation Course at RAAF Base East Sale, VIC. This will introduce you to basic military protocols and procedures.

Following graduation you will undertake the Initial Officer Course of 12 weeks duration. This is a live-in course completed at RAAF Base East Sale.
Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, VIC
Duration: 12 weeks

Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training you will 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 will 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 will 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 will be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you will 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.

Follow the link for further details.

Employment Training

Operational Health Support course - 2 weeks.

Training in the provision of Operational Health Support is provided at the Operational Health Support and Training Flight, RAAF Base Amberley. The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the deployable health capability and equipment.

Standard Combat Survivability course - 1 week.
Air Force Pathologists may also be required to support the RAN Maritime Operations including aboard their medical receiving facility. One week's training in Standard Combat Survivability is provided at the RAN School of Survivability and Ship Safety, HMAS Cerberus or HMAS Creswell. The aim of this course is to enable members to undertake combat survivability duties at sea under supervision. Other military courses may include helicopter underwater escape training and aero medical evacuation training.
Professional Development.

Specialist training enables members to remain current in their field. Pathologists are expected to undertake both Career and Specialist Training courses as well as attend meetings and conferences that feature pertinent information. The review of literature is also encouraged. It is a category requirement for all Pathologists to participate in inter-departmental rotations and to update training records.

Pathologists will be required to attend regular clinical placement in major pathology laboratories to enhance skill sets.