Red Cell Reference- Scientist

Date: 2 Apr 2026

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

Company: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

  • Fixed Term Full-Time -76.00 per fortnight until 18/10/2026
  • Salary circa $80k (FTE) base + super + salary packaging
  • Melbourne Processing Ctr 

 

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. 

 

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 escalate 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
  • Must have a minimum 12 months experience in red cell serology testing in a 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 - no waiting period for either parent
  • Our dedicated employee assistance program - Sonder that you can access 24/7 from an app on your phone
  • Plus, many more!

 

Is Lifeblood your reason? Apply NOW!

 

We are a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant. You’ll hear from us with an outcome after your application has been reviewed and assessed. For further details on this position, or if you require adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, we encourage you to reach out to Rashmi Malhotra via rmalhotra@redcrossblood.org.au.


If you want to know more about our recruitment process or to check out our FAQ's, please click here

 

Please note: applications sent directly to this email address cannot be accepted

 

This vacancy is being managed directly by Lifeblood’s Talent Acquisition team. We won’t accept candidates from external recruitment agencies on this occasion.

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