Red Cell Reference- Scientist

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ability to purchase additional annual leave

Access to salary packaging

14 weeks paid parental leave

Dedicated employee assistance program

Job summary

A leading health organization in Victoria is looking for a Red Cell Reference Scientist to perform specialized scientific testing and problem-solving in a transfusion laboratory. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor of Science in a biomedical discipline and have at least 12 months of experience in red cell serology testing. This role involves standard testing, documentation maintenance, and collaboration with clinical teams for effective blood component release. Competitive salary and benefits such as parental leave and employee assistance programs are included.

Qualifications

• At least 12 months experience in red cell serology testing in a transfusion laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience in performing process deviation management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct standardised manual testing of donor and patient samples.
• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation.
• Identify and escalate abnormal results.
• Collaborate with processing teams on tests impacting urgent blood component release.
• Assist in troubleshooting laboratory equipment issues.
• Support the team in audit processes.
• Provide expert consultation to internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to total quality management principles.

Skills

Red cell serology testing

Teamwork and collaboration

Digital and technical aptitude

Education

Bachelor of Science in a biomedical discipline

Job description

• Salary circa $80k (FTE) base + super + salary packaging

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.

Day to day in the role would be:

• Conducting standardised manual 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 escalation of 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.

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor of Science in a biomedical discipline.
• At least 12 months experience in red cell serology testing in a transfusion laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience in performing process deviation management.
• Strong sense of teamwork and collaboration.
• Digital and technical aptitude.

Benefits and Wellbeing

• 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 – no waiting period for either parent.
• Dedicated employee assistance program – 24/7 access via an app on your phone.
• Many more benefits.