Research Program Head - Blood Diagnostics and Surveillance

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 162,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

14 weeks parental leave

Extra annual leave

Private health discount

Gym & pool discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is seeking an accomplished scientific leader to head the Blood Diagnostics & Surveillance Program. You will guide a multidisciplinary team, shape strategy, and ensure research translates into improved donor safety and patient care. This role anchors national capability from Brisbane, with close collaboration across clinical and operational leaders.

Qualifications

• Significant expertise in transfusion science, molecular diagnostics, genomics, immunohaematology, serology or a related biomedical discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, set clear direction and deliver impactful results.
• Proven experience leading complex scientific and research or translational programs.
• Strong understanding of blood matching, antigen science, diagnostics, surveillance or detection systems relevant to transfusion practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Blood Diagnostics & Surveillance Program and shape transfusion science strategy.
• Set direction for a portfolio spanning diagnostics, genomics and surveillance.
• Foster scientific excellence, innovation and collaboration across teams.
• Translate research into practical outcomes for donors, patients and healthcare systems.

Skills

Transfusion science

Molecular diagnostics

Genomics

Immunohaematology

Serology

Team leadership

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Translational programs

Education

Biomedical discipline

Tools

Diagnostics tools

Job description

• Shape the future of blood diagnostics and transfusion science. Lead pioneering research that helps keep Australia's blood supply safe.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of researchers and specialists.
• Permanent role: Salary circa $180k + superannuation + salary packaging
• Ideally based out of our Brisbane Processing Centre

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: to give life. Together, we want to help you build a fulfilling career with Lifeblood.

About the role

Lifeblood's Strategic Transformation & Readiness team is extending capability across its research portfolio to help Lifeblood optimise today and build for tomorrow - exploring new opportunities and creating lasting value for Lifeblood and the communities we serve.

We're seeking an accomplished scientific leader to lead our Blood Diagnostics & Surveillance Program and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transfusion science. Reporting to the Director Strategy and Research, you'll provide strategic and people leadership across a diverse portfolio of research spanning blood matching, molecular diagnostics, genomics, surveillance and emerging detection technologies.

Leading a highly skilled team of researchers and specialists, you'll foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation and collaboration while setting the direction for programs that strengthen Lifeblood's diagnostic and surveillance capabilities. Working closely with clinical, operational and laboratory leaders, you'll drive the translation of research into practice, ensuring scientific discoveries deliver meaningful outcomes for donors, patients and the broader healthcare system.

This is a unique opportunity to combine leadership, strategy and scientific expertise in a role that will influence national capability, advance diagnostic innovation and help shape the future of blood safety and transfusion medicine.

Sound interesting? Here's what we're looking for;

• Significant expertise in transfusion science, molecular diagnostics, genomics, immunohaematology, serology or a related biomedical discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, set clear direction and deliver impactful results.
• Proven experience leading complex scientific and research or translational programs.
• Strong understanding of blood matching, antigen science, diagnostics, surveillance or detection systems relevant to transfusion practice.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships across clinical, research, operational and external stakeholder groups.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to identify emerging opportunities, influence direction and translate innovation into practical outcomes.

Thrive in a diverse culture that cares for your 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:

• 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
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave
• Discounted private health cover with fantastic corporate benefit
• Discounted access to 1,430+ gyms & pools all over Australia
• Employee Assistance Program; Free, 24/7 and confidential health, safety and wellbeing support
• Plus, many more!