Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist – Blood Transfusion

About the role

An established public healthcare institution is looking for an experienced Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist with expertise in blood transfusion and immunohaematology to lead complex testing, blood component management, quality assurance and staff development.

Key responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex immunohaematology testing including blood grouping, antibody screening, identification, titration, red cell phenotyping and cross‑matching.
• Receive, process, store and issue blood components following strict protocols and ensure accurate, timely reporting via the Laboratory Information System.
• Support 24‑hour Blood Transfusion Service operations, including equipment calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting and coordination of servicing.
• Manage inventory of reagents, consumables and supplies to maintain uninterrupted service.
• Maintain compliance with quality management systems, accreditation standards and regulatory requirements; participate in QA/QC programmes, proficiency testing and EQAS.
• Develop, review and update SOPs and ensure laboratory safety.
• Provide training, supervision and mentorship to junior staff and promote a culture of accuracy, teamwork and patient safety.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, Life Sciences or equivalent.
• Hands‑on experience in a hospital Blood Transfusion Service/Blood Bank, with strong immunohaematology testing background.
• Proven experience in blood grouping, antibody screening/identification, cross‑matching and red cell phenotyping.
• Familiarity with blood component processing, storage, issuance and laboratory quality systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, including rostered shifts, weekends and on‑call duties.

Required skills

• Immunohaematology testing (blood grouping, antibody screening, identification, titration, phenotyping).
• Operation of Laboratory Information System (LIS) and blood bank equipment.
• Calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of specialised laboratory instruments.
• Inventory management of reagents and consumables.
• Quality assurance/quality control procedures and participation in proficiency testing.