Every day, our NSW Health Pathology colleagues take part in innovative research to improve public health and safety.
NSW Health Pathology offers a wide range of career opportunities and fosters a work culture that puts people first.
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Anatomical Pathologists are medical specialists with at least 12 years of training who examine organs, tissues and cells to diagnose specific diseases including cancer. Their skills are fundamental to medical diagnosis, patient management and research.
NSW Health Pathology is the largest Anatomical Pathology public service provider in Australia, employing over 160 Anatomical Pathologists across NSW.
Our team of Anatomical Pathology Staff Specialists work at laboratories at public hospitals providing high quality diagnostic, consultative and on-call specialty services for public hospital patients and those at some private hospitals and GP practices.
We are committed to providing equitable access of services and excellent support to local medical specialists and GPs from our 18 Anatomical Pathology labs that are located at:
We provide a full range of integrated comprehensive Histopathology and Cytopathology services including Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Pathology, as well as a statewide non-coronial autopsy service. If you have a specific field of interest, contact the Medical Workforce Unit.
Our expert team of pathologists provide second opinions, actively participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, teach Anatomical Pathology trainees and medical students, have affiliations or conjoint appointments with universities and are world-renowned researchers.
Many of our Anatomical Pathologists are internationally recognised in their area of expertise having edited or authored chapters in the definitive World Health Organisation classifications of tumours.
They are paid according to the NSW Health Staff Specialists (State) Award.
I enjoy being part of a multidisciplinary team, where I contribute to discussions about individual patients with a team of surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, nurses and other colleagues. Between us we discuss all aspects of each patient’s care and review all the available evidence to make decisions about the best treatment or if any further investigations can be offered to the patient.
In this lab, we have the opportunity to delve deeply into human anatomy and pathology, understanding how diseases manifest at the cellular level. My own experiences in Coffs Harbour greatly shaped my understanding of medicine and strengthened my passion for the field. As you continue your learning journey, I encourage you to remain curious, ask questions, and always seek ways to connect theory with practice.
– Dr Liang, NSW Health Pathology
You will be registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and have obtained Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia in Anatomical Pathology, and/or other specialist recognition as provided under the Staff Specialists (State) Award.
You will be committed to our RITE values – Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence
Visit the NSW Health Careers page or the RCPA website to find a position with us.
If you can’t find a job listing that suits you and would like to express your interest in working in a specific location, in a specialised field or want to find out more:
Senior Medical Officer queries
Anatomical Pathology Clinical Stream Lead and Senior Staff Specialist
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Anatomical Pathologists examine tissues and organs to determine the causes and effects of particular diseases such as cancer. The findings are fundamental to medical diagnosis, patient management and research. They may also examine deceased patients.
Pathologists can examine a broad range of specimen types across all areas of Histopathology and Cytopathology including lymph nodes, breast, skin, lung, gastrointestinal, urological and gynaecological specimens and may become specialised in a particular area.
We liken Anatomical Pathologists to medical detectives. They combine patient information from referring doctors and imaging results, together with macroscopic and microscopic examination of tissues and other tests such as Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Pathology, to make a diagnosis.
They work closely with other medical specialists including Oncologists, Surgeons and Radiologists, meeting together regularly to help determine the best course of treatment for patients.
For more information visit the RCPA website.
They see the wonderful variety of diseases and can begin to map out their role in this somewhat hidden and vastly underrated treasure chest of medicine.
– Dr Bernie I’Ons, NSW Health Pathology
After completing a basic medical degree and at least 2 years of postgraduate clinical work, registrars undertake 5 years of training in a position accredited by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia.
Anatomical Pathologists are in short supply across Australia and the world. NSW Health Pathology is committed to recruiting, training and retaining the next generation of pathologists as part of the NSW Anatomical Pathology Training Program which employs the most Anatomical Pathology registrars in Australia.
The Anatomical Pathology Training Program encompasses over 90 training positions in rural, regional and metropolitan labs across NSW, including public and private settings and in sub-specialty areas such as Neuropathology and Paediatric Anatomical Pathology, enabling registrars to rotate and gain experience in a variety of settings.
According to the RCPA:
“Anatomical pathologists need a keen eye for detail as well as a broad-based knowledge and understanding of the pathological and clinical aspects of many diseases. If you have an inquisitive mind, an urge for problem-solving, attention to detail and are interested in the root cause of disease and how diseases evolve, then anatomical pathology may be a career for you.”
Recruitment for registrar positions is undertaken as part of the NSW Annual Medical Recruitment campaign, commencing around July each year.
To find out more contact the Medical Workforce Unit:
Junior Medical Officers queries
Position Classification: Staff Specialist
Hours Per Week 40
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Position Classification: Registrar
Hours Per Week: 38
Medical Laboratory Scientists specialising in Cytology are qualified health professionals who have a Bachelor degree with subjects relevant to pathology and a Certificate of Cytotechnology of the Australian Society of Cytology (CTASC).
A Multidisciplinary Medical Laboratory Scientist is a qualified health professional who holds a degree relevant to pathology from an accredited university, and has typically completed 3 to 4 years of full-time study.
Genomic medical laboratory scientists analyse patient samples using specialised equipment and advanced techniques to detect and interpret genomic data, including markers for haematological malignancies, cancer, rare genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and pathogens.
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NSW Health Pathology acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land across NSW whose cultures and customs have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. We would like to pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.
NSW Health Pathology acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land across NSW whose cultures and customs have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. We would like to pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.
