Medical Laboratory Assistant - Anatomical Pathology

NSW Health; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 67,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Gym discounts

EAP for staff

Job summary

NSW Health Pathology is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Anatomical Pathology Department at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. The role supports specimen reception, microtomy and related technical tasks in a busy pathology lab serving the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region.

The position is temporary full-time up to March 2027 with potential for ongoing employment, 38 hours per week, and a salary of approximately $66,939 to $69,503 per annum plus superannuation.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of laboratory environment and histology techniques such as microtomy and staining.
• Ability to maintain high quality output while managing competing priorities.
• Customer service experience communicating with customers, patients and clinical staff.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills with ability to investigate issues.
• Excellent data entry skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Awareness of genetics/genomics laboratory legislation and requirements.
• Experience with automated instrumentation and LIMS.

Responsibilities

• Perform specimen reception, anatomical pathology tasks and related technical duties.
• Prepare materials and maintain laboratory equipment per procedures.
• Support histology workflow and quality control activities.

Skills

Histology techniques

Laboratory data entry

Customer service

Analytical skills

LIMS knowledge

Laboratory instrumentation

Tools

LIMS

Automated instrumentation

Job description

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Anatomical Pathology

Employment Type:TemporaryFull Time up to March 2027, with potential availability of ongoing employment
Position Classification:Technical Assistant Grade 2
Remuneration:$66,939.37 - $69,503.42 per annum plus superannuation
Hours Per Week:38
Requisition ID:REQ691430
Location: John Hunter Hospital
Applications Close: 28 September 2026 - 11:59pm

About the opportunity

NSW Health Pathology is currently seeking a skilled Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Anatomical Pathology Department at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. Operating in a busy and dynamic environment, the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory at John Hunter Hospital conducts tests for surgical patients across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region.

Nestled on the beautiful, sun-drenched eastern coastline of New South Wales, just over two hours north of Sydney, Newcastle is a vibrant city bursting with things to do. Spectacular beaches and coastal scenery, with ocean baths and some of the country's best surfing spots, are only just the start. Then there's a dedication to coffee to attract envious glances from Melbourne.

What you'll be doing

Perform a range of laboratory support services including specimen reception (Anatomical Pathology), Microtomy, allocations and technical tasks by applying established methods and procedures, as directed. Undertake other laboratory duties including preparation of materials and the maintenance of equipment in line with established laboratory processes, procedures and protocols.

What we can offer you

Financial Benefits - Generous salary packaging options and other fringe benefits

Work-life Balance - Up to 12 additional days off per year in addition to Annual Leave (for full-time employees)

Professional Growth - Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training with RTO My Health Learning

Health & Wellbeing - Fitness Passport gym discounts and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and families.

• A working knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to learn, all aspects of the laboratory environment relevant to the Department. This may be complimented by experience with histology techniques included microtomy and staining
• Demonstrated ability to maintain high quality work output while managing competing priorities
• Demonstrated customer service experience and skills, preferably in a laboratory environment, including the ability to communicate effectively with customers, patients and clinical staff
• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills combined with the ability to investigate and resolve general issues within the laboratory environment
• Excellent data entry skills including high attention to detail and data accuracy
• Awareness of legislation, policies and requirements relevant to a Genetics/Genomics laboratory setting
• A working knowledge and demonstrated experience in the use of automated laboratory instrumentation, as well as demonstrated experience and working knowledge of Laboratory information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Willingness to participate in a 7 day roster if required.

More principles and policies are being established to support hiring managers identify AI formed responses. We may not progress applications if we don't feel you have spoken to your own experiences and demonstrated your capabilities without AI assistance.

Information for applicants

NSW Health Pathology is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We value, and welcome all suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, background, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

NSW Health Pathology is committed to providing accessibility and reasonable accommodations and ensuring our recruitment process is flexible, inclusive, and free from barriers, promoting equal opportunities for all to succeed. Please reach out if you need adjustments.

NSW Health Pathology is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce in public health. For Aboriginal candidates, support is available through the Stepping Up website

You must have valid working rights in Australia for the duration of the appointment to be eligible to apply.

All workers must meet NSW Health’s vaccination and screening requirements before starting employment. See PD2026_004 for more detail. The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a functional assessment prior to appointment.

An eligibility list may be created for similar vacancies in the future.

We encourage applicants to submit responses that reflect their own experiences and perspectives.