If you’ve ever wondered what a career in science really looks like, Nimesha’s story is a great place to start. From a student who loved biology and chemistry to a Senior Scientist at one of Australia’s leading healthcare companies, her journey shows where curiosity and persistence can take you.
Finding Her Passion for Science
Nimesha has always had a natural curiosity for how things work. “My favourite subjects at school were biology, chemistry and maths,” she says. “I didn’t have a clear direction of what I’d end up doing, but I knew it would be something in that field.”
She went on to study microbiology and immunology at university (and added zoology for good measure), and found herself fascinated by the way all those areas connected. When she joined Healius, she discovered the perfect career path that let her explore it all.
Inside the Lab
As a Senior Scientist in the microbiology department at Healius, Nimesha plays a vital role in identifying the causes of infections and helping doctors choose the right treatment for patients.
“A big part of my job is analysing samples to see if there’s any bacteria or fungi present,” she explains. “We grow those samples in the lab, identify what’s causing the infection, and then test which antibiotics will work best.”
Her role has also evolved to include leadership responsibilities. “Since becoming a senior scientist, I’ve taken on more management tasks, supporting the team and making sure everything runs smoothly,” she says.
The Best Part of the Job
For Nimesha, it’s the thrill of discovery that keeps things exciting. “I love finding a new bacteria or fungus I haven’t seen before. They often look really interesting, and I enjoy reading about how they behave and cause infection,” she says.
She’s also fascinated by the patterns she sees in her work. “Bacteria are always evolving, which makes infections harder to treat. It’s challenging but also really rewarding to study these patterns and know that what we do helps doctors make informed decisions.”
And like many scientists, Nimesha thrives in a team environment. “I really enjoy working with others. Everyone is so supportive and willing to help. It’s a great environment to learn and grow in.”
Growing Her Career
Nimesha’s journey with Healius has evolved significantly since she first joined. “I started as a lab assistant, which gave me a solid understanding of how everything worked behind the scenes,” she says.
Not long after, she became a Grade One Scientist and began interpreting cultures and identifying bacteria and fungi. “I tried to take on more than what my role required, getting involved in projects and attending educational lectures. It kept me engaged and constantly learning.”
Her dedication paid off. She progressed to Grade Two and now holds a senior role leading others. “It’s been really rewarding to grow both technically and personally. I’ve learned a lot about communication, leadership and teamwork,” she says.
Get to Know Healius: Where Science Meets Purpose
Healius is one of Australia’s leading healthcare companies, providing essential diagnostic, pathology and imaging services that help doctors and patients every day. Behind the scenes, teams like Nimesha’s play a crucial role in ensuring accurate test results and improving patient outcomes across the country.
For students passionate about biology, chemistry or medical science, Healius offers a hands-on and meaningful career path. You’ll work with cutting-edge technology, gain experience in real laboratories, and be supported by mentors who help you build the confidence and skills to succeed.
Whether you’re starting out or already studying a science-related degree, Healius is a place where you can grow, learn and make a genuine difference through your work.
Watch Nimesha’s full story in the video above and see what a future in science at Healius could look like for you.
