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Scientific Director of Department of Embryology - Job Opportunity at NSW Health Pathology

Randwick, Australia
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 14, 2025
On-site
AUD 139,867.79 - 147,542.73 per year

Benefits

Accrued Days Off providing enhanced time-off flexibility beyond standard annual leave entitlements
Comprehensive salary packaging options offering significant tax advantages and financial optimization opportunities
Corporate wellbeing programs including Fitness Passport membership providing access to premium health and fitness facilities
Extensive learning and development opportunities through in-house RTO training programs ensuring continuous professional advancement
Superannuation contributions as part of Australia's world-class retirement savings system
Public sector employment stability with permanent tenure and career security

Key Responsibilities

Establish and lead strategic direction for clinical and research embryology operations at a prestigious university-hospital collaboration, directly impacting reproductive healthcare outcomes for patients across NSW
Drive RTAC accreditation compliance through development of comprehensive protocols, quality management systems, and business continuity frameworks that set industry standards for reproductive laboratory excellence
Execute all assisted reproductive technologies including advanced procedures like ICSI and embryo biopsy for PGS, maintaining clinical expertise while overseeing departmental operations
Lead, mentor, and develop laboratory staff through comprehensive training programs, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and professional growth within the embryology team
Oversee regulatory compliance, financial planning, and resource management while monitoring departmental performance metrics to ensure optimal operational efficiency and patient outcomes
Collaborate with UNSW researchers and clinical teams to advance groundbreaking fertility research initiatives that contribute to global reproductive science knowledge

Requirements

Education

Higher degree, (PhD, Masters or Postgraduate diploma) in reproductive biology, or equivalent qualification, with subjects relevant to pathology from a recognised tertiary institution

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of ART laboratory experience inclusive of recent experience in a managerial and/ or supervisory role

Required Skills

Fully trained in all assisted reproductive technologies including ICSI and embryo biopsy for PGS Demonstrated understanding and sound knowledge of RTAC accreditation frameworks, relevant standards and quality systems Demonstrated strategic thinking and professional networks in a specialty of pathology relevant to the laboratory, and understanding of the role and function of public laboratories within the Australian and NSW health systems Advanced knowledge and operating competency with Laboratory Information Systems, Microsoft Office applications and Quality Management Systems and proven data analysis skills Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service with a high level of interpersonal, communication, negotiation and influencing skills and the ability to develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders and interact professionally with a diverse range of people at all levels

Certifications

RTAC accreditation experience Category A health screening and vaccination compliance
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Australian fertility industry is experiencing unprecedented growth with IVF cycles increasing by 8-10% annually, driven by delayed childbearing trends, improved success rates, and expanded government funding through Medicare. This growth creates significant demand for senior embryology leadership positions, particularly in public sector facilities that serve diverse patient populations. Advanced reproductive technologies including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), time-lapse embryo monitoring, and artificial intelligence-assisted embryo selection are revolutionizing laboratory operations, requiring scientific directors who can integrate cutting-edge research with clinical practice. Increasing regulatory scrutiny and quality standards from RTAC (Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee) are elevating the importance of compliance expertise and quality management systems in embryology laboratories, making experienced leaders with accreditation knowledge highly valuable. The integration of university research programs with clinical laboratory operations is becoming a key differentiator for leading fertility centers, creating unique opportunities for scientific directors to contribute to both patient care and groundbreaking research publications.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of AUD 139,867-147,542 plus superannuation represents competitive compensation for senior scientific leadership in Australia's public health sector, equivalent to approximately USD 95,000-100,000. This aligns well with market rates for similar positions in major Australian cities, though private sector equivalents may offer 15-20% higher base salaries offset by superior public sector benefits and job security.

Role Significance

Typically managing a multidisciplinary team of 8-15 professionals including senior embryologists, laboratory technicians, research associates, and administrative staff, with indirect oversight of clinical and research collaborators from UNSW and the Local Health District.
This is a senior executive-level scientific position with department head responsibilities, requiring strategic leadership of both clinical operations and research initiatives. The role represents the highest level of scientific leadership within the embryology department, with direct accountability for laboratory performance, staff development, and regulatory compliance.

Key Projects

Leading RTAC reaccreditation processes and quality improvement initiatives that set benchmarks for reproductive laboratory excellence Implementing advanced reproductive technologies and laboratory automation systems to improve success rates and operational efficiency Developing research protocols and grant applications for fertility-related studies in collaboration with UNSW faculty Establishing training programs for the next generation of embryologists and contributing to national professional development standards

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in advanced reproductive technologies combined with proven ability to translate scientific knowledge into clinical protocols and staff training programs that maintain the highest standards of patient care Strong regulatory and quality management capabilities to navigate complex RTAC requirements while implementing continuous improvement processes that exceed compliance standards Strategic leadership skills to balance competing priorities between clinical service delivery, research objectives, and operational efficiency in a resource-constrained public health environment Collaborative relationship-building abilities to work effectively across the university-hospital partnership, managing diverse stakeholder expectations while advancing both clinical and research missions

Market Demand

High - The combination of industry growth, regulatory complexity, and specialized skill requirements creates strong demand for qualified embryology directors, with limited candidates possessing the required blend of clinical expertise, research experience, and leadership capabilities.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

RTAC accreditation expertise is absolutely essential as this represents the primary regulatory framework governing reproductive technology in Australia, with compliance directly impacting laboratory operations and patient safety Advanced ART technical skills including ICSI and embryo biopsy are fundamental to maintaining clinical credibility and ensuring the laboratory can offer the full spectrum of reproductive technologies Leadership and team management capabilities are crucial for developing staff, maintaining morale, and ensuring consistent service delivery in a high-pressure clinical environment Strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills are vital for navigating the complex university-hospital partnership while balancing clinical, research, and operational priorities

Beneficial Skills

Research methodology and grant writing experience would enhance ability to secure funding and contribute to the scientific mission of the UNSW collaboration Data analysis and laboratory information systems expertise becomes increasingly valuable as fertility treatment becomes more data-driven and technology-dependent International reproductive technology knowledge and professional networks could provide competitive advantage in implementing best practices and staying current with global innovations Public health and healthcare policy understanding would support effective navigation of the NSW health system and contribution to broader healthcare planning initiatives

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to lead embryology operations within a prestigious university-hospital collaboration that combines clinical excellence with groundbreaking research capabilities
Position offers the unique advantage of contributing to both immediate patient care outcomes and long-term advances in reproductive science through research publications and clinical trials
Role provides exposure to diverse clinical cases and complex fertility challenges within the public health system, offering broader experience than typical private practice positions
Opportunity to influence national reproductive technology standards through involvement with RTAC processes and professional development initiatives

Career Growth

Career advancement to broader leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing scientific directors, with opportunities accelerated by research publications, successful accreditation outcomes, and demonstrated ability to drive clinical excellence.

Potential Next Roles

Director of Reproductive Services overseeing multiple departments within a large fertility network Chief Scientific Officer for private fertility groups or biotechnology companies developing reproductive technologies Academic positions such as Professor of Reproductive Biology with research leadership responsibilities Regulatory or consulting roles with RTAC, government health departments, or international reproductive technology organizations

Company Overview

NSW Health Pathology

NSW Health Pathology represents Australia's largest public pathology service, providing comprehensive laboratory services across New South Wales with a mission to deliver high-quality, accessible healthcare to diverse communities. The organization operates through a network of major teaching hospitals and research institutions, combining clinical service delivery with cutting-edge research and professional education programs.

As the dominant public pathology provider in Australia's most populous state, NSW Health Pathology holds a leading position in the healthcare sector with significant influence on national standards and practices. The organization's partnership with prestigious institutions like UNSW enhances its reputation as a center of excellence for both clinical care and research innovation.
The Prince of Wales Hospital location in Randwick positions this role at the heart of Sydney's premier medical and research precinct, providing access to world-class facilities, collaborative opportunities with leading researchers, and a diverse patient population representing the full spectrum of reproductive health needs.
Public sector healthcare culture emphasizing patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and commitment to serving diverse communities, with strong emphasis on professional development, research collaboration, and maintaining the highest ethical standards in reproductive healthcare delivery.
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