Research Program Head - Blood Diagnostics and Surveillance

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

14 weeks parental leave

Additional annual leave

Private health cover discount

Gym & pools discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is seeking a visionary leader to shape the future of blood diagnostics and transfusion science at our Brisbane Processing Centre.

Reporting to the Director Strategy and Research, you will lead a multidisciplinary team, drive translation of research into practice, and advance donor and patient outcomes across national capability. This role blends leadership, strategy and scientific expertise to strengthen Lifeblood's diagnostic and surveillance capabilities.

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.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships across clinical, research, operational and external stakeholder groups.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of researchers and specialists.
• Provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of research spanning blood matching, molecular diagnostics, genomics, surveillance and emerging detection technologies.
• Drive translation of research into practice to deliver meaningful outcomes for donors, patients and the healthcare system.
• Influence national capability and shape the future of blood safety and transfusion medicine.

Skills

Transfusion science

Molecular diagnostics

Genomics

Immunohaematology

Serology

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. 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!

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

Please note: we can't accept applications sent directly to this email address.