Medical Scientist Grade 1

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

Benefits offered by this job

Ability to purchase additional annual/

Salary packaging option up to AU$15,9k

14 weeks paid parental leave

Employee assistance program (Sonder) 7

Job summary

Lifeblood is seeking a Red Cell Reference Scientist to deliver specialist testing and support transfusion practice. You will perform standardised donor testing, interpret results and authorise test outcomes to inform product release.

The role is based at our Melbourne Processing Centre in West Melbourne. A minimum 12 months’ pathology laboratory experience with red cell serology is required; fixed-term full-time until November 2027.

Qualifications

• 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

• 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 elevate 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.

Skills

Red cell serology testing

Process deviation management

Teamwork

Digital and technical aptitude

Education

Bachelor of Science in a biomedical discipline

Job description

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Search suburb or city: West Melbourne, VIC, AU, 3003

Company: 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 elevate 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.

Have a question about the role or do you need support or adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process? Email Sami, our AI Careers Assistant, at [e-mail] .To help Sami provide the most relevant information, please include the role title and location in your email. Sami can assist with common recruitment questions, and if your enquiry requires additional support, it will be escalated to our Talent Acquisition team.

This vacancy is being managed directly by Lifeblood’s Talent Acquisition team.