Red Cell Reference Scientist — Fixed-Term, Melbourne

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

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.