Scientist Grade 1

Are you a current Austin Health employee?

If yes, please log in to the Austin Health careers website via ‘Employee Login’ using your network login details to search, view and apply for all career opportunities available.

• Fixed term (until 28 Feb 2029) Full time
• Based in Heidelberg, close to train station
• $63,674-$91,785 + salary packaging + super

Austin Health is the major provider of tertiary health services, health professional education and research across three campuses in the north-east of Melbourne and statewide. We have a highly engaged, diverse and collaborative workforce that is unified by our goal to help people live healthy and fulfilled lives. 

About the Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy

The Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy is one of the largest academic Departments in Australia, and has comprehensive clinical service activities, as well as an internationally renowned research program. The Department has four core clinical service components: Nuclear Medicine imaging, Radionuclide Therapy, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Bone Densitometry. The Department produces radioisotopes on site with in-house Cyclotrons and radiochemistry and QC laboratories and undertakes a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic examinations and research studies.

The position of Radiopharmaceutical Scientist at Austin Health allows support of services directly impacting patients’ lives and health outcomes, while giving unique opportunities to develop a wide range of skills and experiences in a rapidly expanding field.

About the role:

The Radiopharmaceutical Scientist will assist in the provision of radiopharmaceutical services to the Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy reporting directly to the Head of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences. They will be trained to proficiency in the production, quality control and release of radiopharmaceuticals for use in patients, clinical trials and distribution to other sites around Victoria.

As part of a dedicated scientific and engineering team they will gain experience with multiple PET and SPECT isotopes including 18F, 68Ga, 11C and 99mTc, as well as therapeutic isotopes such as 177Lu. They will be involved in the validation and production of new radiopharmaceuticals for clinical use within the hospital, including for cutting edge clinical trials. They will be trained to proficiency on the production of isotopes using our cyclotrons, aseptic technique, radiation safety considerations and legislative requirements relevant to the industry. They will also be involved with training and continuing education where required.

Specific tasks of this role include:

• Perform radiopharmaceutical manufacturing, dispensing and quality control guided by the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for Medicinal Products and exercising independent professional judgement and problem solving.
• Work with a range of isotopes including SPECT, PET and radiotherapeutic isotopes.
• Assist in developing new procedures, agents and contributing to the scientific and research program of Molecular Imaging and Therapy.
• Aid in the maintenance and troubleshooting of synthesis modules and laboratory equipment.
• Contribute to the Quality Management System (QMS) by preparing and reviewing documents related to the maintenance, calibration and validation of laboratory equipment.
• Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the QMS by preparing and reviewing documents such as standard operating procedures and working instructions for radiopharmaceutical manufacture and quality control.
• Contribute to quality improvement activities and clinical research activities within Molecular Imaging and Therapy by independently applying general scientific knowledge and skills.
• With the Departmental Radiation Safety Officer, maintain and review radiation safety procedures within Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy and ensure optimal equipment performance.
• Liaise with PET Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy staff on production and quality control schedules.
• Partake in the general quality assurance procedures of the department.
• Participation in relevant meetings and preparation of reports as required.
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of occupational health and safety issues.
• Attend further education courses or professional conferences as deemed necessary.

About you

To be successful in this role, you’ll have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field
• Experience working in laboratory settings
• Critical thinking and attention to detail
• Meticulous and safe laboratory working practices
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in high pressure, time sensitive scenarios
• Well-developed communication skills
• Ability to work flexibly as a team member and achieve projected goals and targets
• Demonstrated educational skills and basic computer knowledge

Our benefits 

Working at Austin Health means enjoying a strong sense of purpose, engaging in meaningful work every day. Our people also receive a variety of rewarding benefits, including: 

• Greater take-home pay through generous salary packaging, for living expenses, meals, and holiday accommodation. 
• A suite of wellness initiatives designed to support you, including discounted fitness memberships and special offers on health insurance, and a comprehensive wellbeing program. 
• Onsite childcare at Austin Hospital, easy access via public transport and car parking options. 
• Mentoring and career development opportunities. 
• Purchased leave options 
• Paid conference and exam leave

Work with us! 

We are committed to cultural safety and health equity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. We celebrate, value, and include people of all backgrounds, genders, identities, cultures, bodies, and abilities. We welcome and support applications from talented people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ and people of all ages and cultures. 

If you feel this role is right for you, we encourage your early application. Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. What matters most is your passion, your drive and your willingness to learn and contribute. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad prior to the advertised closing date. 

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and if required, a Working With Children Check. Austin Health is a child safe organisation, committed to upholding the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people in line with Child Safe Standards. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, you are welcome to reach out to the hiring manager: Dr Stuart McCluskey at stuart.mccluskey@austin.org.au. 

Interested in finding out more about this opportunity? Read the position description  for further details. 

Application closing date: Sunday 30 August 2026

Application instructions:

Please note you will be required to attach copies of the following to your online application:

• Cover letter
• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)