Job Description
Chief Pathologist
The Royal Melbourne Hospital is one of Australia's leading public healthcare providers.
Join the team.
Build a career.
We are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Job Description
Public Pathology Victoria
Victoria is transforming public pathology services to ensure all Victorians have access to high-quality diagnostic care.
Pathology is at the heart of modern healthcare.
Timely, accurate results help clinicians diagnose illness, guide treatments, and monitor recovery.
Strengthening our public pathology system builds a safer, more reliable, and sustainable health service for everyone.
An opportunity is available to take on the newly established Medical Director - Chief Pathologist position within a forming public pathology network in Victoria's Parkville Precinct, led by the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
This role will lead the integration of pathology services across four leading health services:
The Royal Children's Hospital
The Royal Melbourne Hospital
The Royal Women's Hospital
The Opportunity
A first of its kind opportunity exists for a distinguished clinical leader to take on the inaugural Chief Pathologist (CP) position.
Reporting to the Executive Director – Pathology Network, with a professional reporting line to the Chief Medical Officer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Chief Pathologist will be a key member of the leadership team, with the Chief Paediatric & Perinatal Pathologist (CPPP) and General Manager, to provide senior clinical leadership across a multi-disciplinary pathology workforce of approximately 820 staff.
This role plays a central part in shaping the future delivery of high-quality public pathology services across the network.
The role is structured as a 0.6 FTE senior clinical leadership appointment at RMH, with the option to combine this with a 0.4 FTE complementary appointment, as a joint academic role with the University of Melbourne (Associate Professor or Professor level).
About You
As the most senior pathologist for adult services within the Network,



the Chief Pathologist will provide clinical leadership across general and specialty pathology disciplines and co‐lead, with the Medical Director – Chief Paediatric & Perinatal Pathologist, a robust clinical governance framework.
You will help shape the strategic direction, standards and culture of the new pathology network.
This role is suited to a senior pathologist with strong clinical credibility and strategic leadership capability, able to unify laboratories under a current network model and lead complex, system‐wide change.
You bring deep experience in clinical governance and senior medical leadership, with a collaborative style that enables you to engage, influence and guide diverse stakeholders.
The role also supports academic and translational research engagement, with opportunities to collaborate across the Parkville Precinct and beyond.
For candidates pursuing the joint appointment, this includes contributing to teaching, research and the advancement of pathology through the University of Melbourne.
Key Accountabilities
Provide clinical leadership and strategic direction for adult pathology services across the Network
Co‐lead the clinical governance framework with the Chief Paediatric & Perinatal Pathologist
Champion a strong, inclusive and collaborative professional culture across the network
Define and uphold clinical standards aligned with best practice
Support integration of pathology services with clinical programs
Build strong relationships across Parkville health services
Act as senior clinical lead for the Network as required
Essential Qualifications & Experience
Registration as a medical specialist in pathology with FRCPA (or equivalent) and must hold, or be eligible for, registration with the Medical Board of Australia
Proven senior strategic leadership and change management skills




Demonstrated leadership experience in a complex pathology setting
Proven track record of excellence in clinical service delivery in Pathology with a demonstrated commitment to continued improvement and teamwork
Excellent written and verbal communication skills that enable the collaboration and development of professional relationships across a broad range of people
Knowledge and understanding of public health and pathology policy issues, including evidence‐based practice, and health care safety and quality
Additional Selection Criteria (Joint UoM Appointment Only)
PhD or equivalent research higher degree
Demonstrated sustained success in obtaining research grants and external research income (with emphasis on competitive, international and peer‐reviewed)
A research track record and relevant tertiary qualification in Management / Business / Administration or equivalent
Clearly indicate in your application whether you are applying for:
Option A: the 0.6 FTE Chief Pathologist role at RMH only, or
Option B: the combined 0.6 FTE RMH role and 0.4 FTE joint academic appointment with the University of Melbourne.
All applicants should submit:
An updated CV
Two referees (referees will not be contacted until following the interview stage)
A cover letter or statement (maximum two pages) providing details of your skills, experience and knowledge, addressing the Essential Qualifications & Experience criteria above
Applicants seeking the joint UoM appointment should also address the Additional Selection Criteria below, which includes
Research track record
Teaching experience
Eligibility for appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor level
Universe has been engaged by the Royal Melbourne Hospital to support this appointment.
For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact one of our Directors at Universe Search, Kane King ******
Applications close on Tuesday January 27th ****.
Interviews are anticipated to commence in February ****.
Name and Contact
Kane King ******
To apply, please email Kane King ******
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Chief Pathologist (Victoria)
🏢 Universe
📍 Victoria