Laboratory Technician

About NRL

NRL operates as a division of St Vincent’s Institute (SVI) whose mission is to produce world class science: inspired by discovery, driven by purpose. NRL is primarily located with St Vincent’s Hospital campus which lends unique opportunities to collaborate with clinicians, researchers, and academics as well as work together on joint campus initiatives such as the SVI Biobank. Whilst given natural free rein to deliver its specific scientific activities, NRL is an integrated component of St Vincent’s strategic objectives and as such the NRL works closely with SVI in this regard.

NRL was established as part of the Australian Government’s HIV and AIDS strategy in 1985. Contracted by the Department of Health and licensed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), NRL supports collaborative scientific partners worldwide in the promotion of accurate diagnosis and management of human communicable diseases, including but not limited to HIV, HCV and HTLV. It does this by providing specialised services, including pre- and post-market evaluations of test kits, provision of quality assurance programmes to laboratories, specialised testing services, and consultation, education, and training for laboratories nationally and internationally.

NRL holds the unique position of being the only organisation world-wide that delivers this full suite of services, and with significant future opportunities to significantly grow NRL’s market and services globally.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Technician to join the NRL Fitzroy Testing team on a full-time permanent basis. The primary responsibility for this role is to receive deliveries (specimens, test kits, reagents and consumables), enter relevant information into the NRL laboratory information management system (LIMS) and process specimens ready for laboratory testing. Activities include specimen preparation (centrifugation/aliquoting), sending specimens for external testing, storing specimens according to their temperature requirements and requesting appropriate tests in the LIMS.

Additionally, the incumbent will be involved in general laboratory tasks and provide support to NRL laboratory functions as needed. This will include performing regular maintenance on equipment and general laboratory housekeeping duties.

Opportunities may also be available to perform diagnostic testing and assist with special projects under the supervision of a scientist.

Please refer to the attached position description for a fuller description of the key responsibilities.

Who we are seeking

Our ideal incumbent will have:

  • Certificate IV, Diploma or higher qualification in Medical Laboratory Technology or Biomedical Science and at least 6 months experience working in a pathology specimen reception or diagnostic laboratory. Experience must include specimen receipt, patient/sample identification, processing and handling of biological specimens.
  • Proven experience in sample processing and the preparation of test kits and reagents.
  • Experience in using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
  • Experience working in ISO and NATA regulated laboratories (desirable).
  • Experience in the maintenance of laboratory equipment (well regarded).
  • Experience in performing manual assays and /or use of automated testing platforms (desirable).
  • Knowledge of IATA regulations for the handling and transport of biological specimens (desirable).
  • Strong attention to detail with proven ability to maintain a high level of accuracy.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Well-developed computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.

To be considered for this ongoing role, you will be required to provide evidence you have permanent or temporary working rights in Australia.

Salary: $62,019.95 – $65,818.16 per annum, plus 12% superannuation. Salary applied will be dependent upon successful candidates’ current level, experience and qualifications. In addition to your base salary, we offer up to $15,900 FBT exempt salary packaging and up to $2,650 FBT exempt meals and entertainment packaging.

To apply: Applications must be made through SEEK or our recruitment portal. Please proceed to the end of the page to commence your application and ensure you include the following below documents:

  1. Current CV and;
  2. Cover letter addressed to the hiring manager, Terri Sahin, clearly capturing your interest in the role and how your experience fits with the selection criteria under ‘Who we are seeking’ listed above.

Applications Close Friday 26th July 2026, however, applications will be considered as they arrive, and the position may be filled ahead of the closing date.

Applications Close: 26th Jul 2026

Senior Medical Scientist

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to join the NRL Evaluations team on a full-time basis. This role will lead the operations and delivery of NRL Evaluation services, ensuring IVD test kit evaluation projects are completed to a high standard, on time and within budget.

Key responsibilities involve managing the evaluations pipeline, staff, resources, budgets, quality and risk requirements, while maintaining strong relationships with regulatory stakeholders, clients and IVD manufacturers. You will bring specialist technical, regulatory and scientific expertise across the development / review of evaluation protocols; acquisition, preparation and management of samples and stock materials; management of evaluation testing; analysis of results, as well as provision of final reports. The successful candidate will also be responsible for identifying and acquiring new work in line with NRL business scope.

You will also provide expert advice and contribute to technical dossier assessments for the TGA and WHO.

Please refer to the attached position description for a fuller description of the key responsibilities.

Who we are seeking

Our ideal candidate for the role will have:

  • Tertiary qualification(s) in fields related to medical science (Bachelor, Honours, Masters, or PhD).
  • Considerable experience (around 10 years) in test kit evaluations including successfully managing a program of work that involved multiple projects concurrently.
  • Strong project management skills, including experience managing staff, resources, budgets and competing priorities.
  • High-level expertise in the analysis and interpretation of scientific and technical data.
  • Expert understanding of the evaluation of infectious diseases test kits and IVD regulatory systems and requirements.
  • Broad understanding of infectious diseases testing, including NAT and serology.
  • Proven ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Strong judgement and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex scientific and technical issues.
  • Well-developed computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.

To be considered for this role you will be required to provide evidence you have permanent or temporary working rights (at least 3 years) in Australia.

Salary: $108,360 – $122,771 per annum, plus 12% superannuation. Salary applied will be dependent upon successful candidates’ current level, experience and qualifications. In addition to your base salary, we offer up to $15,900 FBT exempt salary packaging and up to $2,650 FBT exempt meals and entertainment packaging.

To apply: Applications must be made through SEEK or our recruitment portal. Please proceed to the end of the page to commence your application and ensure you include the following below documents:

  • Current CV and;
  • Cover letter addressed to the hiring manager, Wayne Dimech, briefly describing your interest in the role and how your experience fits with each of the criteria under ‘Who we are seeking’ listed above.

Applications Close Friday 10th July 2026, however, applications will be considered as they arrive, and the position may be filled ahead of the closing date.

Applications Close: 10th Jul 2026

Page last updated: 29 June 2026