Discover a rewarding career in one of Australia's most iconic tropical destinations. Cairns offers an unbeatable lifestyle, where world-class healthcare meets the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy a relaxed, outdoor way of life, a welcoming community, and year-round sunshine, all while advancing your career. The Medical Director, Cairns Hospital Laboratory is the head of Pathology Queensland for the Cairns Group Laboratory and is responsible for the delivery of high value pathology services to the public health system of Queensland.

Job details

With affordable living, excellent schools, and endless opportunities for adventure, Cairns is the perfect place to achieve both your professional and personal goals. Join a team where your expertise will make a real difference, while enjoying everything Far North Queensland has to offer.

Key competencies (role specific criteria)

You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate the following:

• Demonstrated high level managerial ability in strategic planning and the provision of a client-focused, comprehensive, high quality and cost-effective service.
• Demonstrated current clinical and technical expertise with appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities in your discipline with evidence of commitment to maintenance of personal skills in these areas and to the provision of a client focused service.
• Demonstrated personal qualities of leadership, including high level communication skills, motivation, initiative, time management and commitment to negotiation and team building.

Qualifications, registrations and other requirements

• Mandatory requirements are a medical qualification and tertiary qualification in Anatomical Pathology (FRCPA, or equivalent) and be registerable with the Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) as a Specialist Pathologist.
• The incumbents must be Fellows of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia or equivalent.

Additional benefits of this role include:

• Motor vechicle allowance
• Locality Allowances Cairns
• Clinical Managers Allowance (0.2FTE)
• Attraction and Retention Allowance (50% of base pay)
• Attraction and retention rural allowance (5%) of base pay
• Professional development leave 3.6 weeks p.a

Competitive salaries

• 12.75% superannuation
• 17.5% leave loading

Why Pathology Queensland 

Pathology Queensland (PQ) is a leading provider of comprehensive diagnostic and laboratory services with 35 laboratories located across Queensland. PQ is critical to the delivery of healthcare in Queensland and with a multidisciplinary team of 2,000 people, we're involved in 70 per cent of all medical decisions and in all cancer diagnoses. With a strong research and clinical improvement culture, we also support more than 450 point-of-care testing devices, extending access to care in more places.

On top of a generous base salary, medical practitioners also receive additional allowances including motor vehicle, professional development and retention and attraction (50% of base salary). A rural retention and attraction allowance (5% of base salary) and locality allowance will also apply to form the total salary.

At Queensland Health, our work environment is inclusive and supportive, and we value our employees. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all cultures, abilities and backgrounds.

Ready to apply?

For further information on how to apply please review the attached Role Description.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Applications will remain current for a period of up to 12 months and may be considered for other vacancies which may include an alternative employment basis such as temporary, full time or part time.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• PQ Medical Director - Cairns 0.2FTE - AUG 2026 (2fte - Aug 2026.Pdf)
  
  DoH Applicant Pack (PDF)