Medical Scientist Grade 1

Lifeblood; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 78,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to living expenses

Additional annual leave

14 weeks parental leave

Sonder EAP 24/7

Job summary

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is seeking a Red Cell Reference Scientist to join our Melbourne Laboratory. The role delivers specialist testing and supports transfusion practice with standardised donor testing and result interpretation.

You will have at least 12 months in a pathology lab with red cell serology, plus the ability to troubleshoot and collaborate across teams. The position is a fixed-term, full-time appointment based at our Melbourne Processing Centre.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a biomedical discipline.
• Minimum 12 months experience in red cell serology testing in transfusion laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience in performing process deviation management.
• Collaborative with a strong sense of teamwork.
• Digital and technical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Conduct standardised testing of donor and patient samples to support blood component release and safe transfusion practices.
• Maintain accurate documentation in line with TGA and NATA regulatory requirements.
• Identify and escalate abnormal or complex results for timely clinical management.
• Collaborate with processing teams and provide updates on pending tests impacting urgent release.
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment and methodological issues to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Support internal and external audits with documentation and corrective actions.
• Provide expert consultation to internal stakeholders on Red Cell Reference Laboratory activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement to enhance team performance and service delivery.
• Ensure adherence to total quality management principles in the Red Cell Reference Laboratory.

Skills

Teamwork

Digital aptitude

Education

Bachelor of Science in biomedical discipline

Job description

19h ago , from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

• Fixed-term Full-time opportunity until November 2027
• Salary starting from $87k + Super + Salary Packaging and more
• Role is based at our Melbourne Processing Centre, West Melbourne

Discover life-giving possibilities

Lifeblood is more than just a job or a career, it’s an opportunity to be part of something that matters. As an organisation, our purpose is simple: life giving donations, for life changing outcomes. Together, we want to help you build a fulfilling career with Lifeblood.

About the role

As a Red Cell Reference Scientist, you will provide specialist scientific testing, support and problem solving to deliver services that support transfusion practice and clinical need. You will undertake standardised testing, analysis and interpretation of results to inform release of products or further analysis as well as check and authorise test results for standardised donor testing.

You will use your in-depth knowledge and expertise to determine appropriate scientific processes and to support decision‑making of clinicians, external providers, and Lifeblood staff.

Our laboratories operate Monday to Friday from 8:24am to 4:30pm.

We are seeking candidates with a minimum of 12 months’ experience working in a pathology laboratory, with demonstrated experience in performing pre-transfusion testing.

Your day to day would look like this:

• Conducting standardised testing of donor and patient samples to support blood component release and ensure safe transfusion practices.
• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation in line with TGA and NATA regulatory requirements.
• Identify and upscale abnormal results or complex cases to ensure timely and appropriate clinical management.
• Collaborate with processing teams, providing timely updates on pending tests that may impact urgent blood component release.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving routine equipment and methodological issues to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Support the team in internal and external audit processes, including documentation, response coordination, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Provide expert consultation and guidance to internal stakeholders on Red Cell Reference Laboratory activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by proposing and supporting initiatives to enhance team performance and service delivery.
• Ensure daily adherence to total quality management principles within the Red Cell Reference Laboratory.

Sound interesting? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Bachelor of Science in a biomedical discipline
• Minimum 12 months experience in red cell serology testing in transfusion laboratory
• Demonstrated experience in performing process deviation management
• Collaborative with a strong sense of teamwork
• Digital and technical aptitude

Benefits and Wellbeing

We place our employee's well‑being at the forefront and express gratitude and care for one another. As an Australian Workplace Equality Index recognised employer and one of Australia’s menopause-friendly organisations, we celebrate diversity and support all our people.

In addition to being a part of an organisation that is the heartbeat of the nation, you will have access to the following:

• Ability to purchase additional annual leave
• Access to salary packaging with an option to package up to $15,900 for living expenses and $2,650 for meals and entertainment
• 14 weeks paid parental leave for either parent
• Our dedicated employee assistance program - Sonder that you can access 24/7 from an app on your phone
• Plus, many more!

We’re proud to be a Circle Back Initiative Employer for 2026 and commit to respond to every applicant. You’ll hear from us once your application has been reviewed.

If this advert is still live, we’re still accepting applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as opportunities can progress quickly.

This vacancy is being managed directly by Lifeblood’s Talent Acquisition team. We won’t be accepting applications from external recruitment agencies for this role.