Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

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

Job summary

NSW Health Pathology at John Hunter Hospital is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Microbiology team on a permanent full-time basis. You will perform reception duties, process specimens and support timely diagnostic testing.

The role requires Certificate III in Pathology Collections or Pathology Assistance or equivalent, good communication, data accuracy, and the ability to work a 24/7 rotating roster, including weekends and nights.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Pathology Collections or Pathology Assistance, and/or previous experience in a pathology or clinical Microbiology laboratory environment.
• Ability to learn all aspects of the pre-analytical environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage tasks in a demanding environment with competing priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers, internal and external.
• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills.
• Willingness to operate and maintain pre-analytical equipment.
• Proficient computer skills with high attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Understanding of confidentiality and handling of sensitive information in a laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a high-quality pathology service.
• Receive and triage specimens and enter patient requests.
• Process specimens and prepare for transport to laboratories.
• Support timely accurate diagnostic testing.
• Willingness to participate in a 24/7 rotating shift roster.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Data accuracy

Confidentiality

Pre-analytical equipment

Computer literacy

Shift work flexibility

Travel to sites

Education

Certificate III in Pathology Collections or Pathology Assistance

Job description

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

Employment Type:PermanentFull Time
Position Classification:Technical Assistant Grade 2
Remuneration:$66,939.37 - $69,503.42 per annum plus superannuation
Hours Per Week:38
Requisition ID:REQ706427
Location: John Hunter Hospital
Applications Close: 24 November 2026 - 11:59pm

About the opportunity

NSW Health Pathology is seeking an enthusiastic Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our Microbiology Department at John Hunter Hospital. We currently have a Permanent full time role available.

Just over two hours north of Sydney, Newcastle is a coastal gem with a vibrant lifestyle. From stunning beaches and ocean baths to top-tier surfing spots and a café culture that rivals Melbourne, its a city that blends natural beauty with urban energy.

If you're a motivated team player who's ready to contribute to vital healthcare work, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

Contribute to a high-quality pathology service. Perform pathology specimen reception duties including receiving and triaging of specimens, patient registration and request entry, specimen processing and preparation for transport or delivery to laboratories for timely accurate diagnostic testing.

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.

• Certificate III in Pathology Collections or Pathology Assistance, and/or previous experience in a pathology or clinical Microbiology laboratory environment (or deemed equivalent), with a demonstrated ability to learn all aspects of the pre-analytical environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage tasks in a demanding environment where there are competing priorities and time constraints.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers, internal and external.
• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills combined with the ability to investigate and resolve general issues.
• Willingness to operate and maintain pre analytical equipment as required.
• Proficient computer skills including high attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Demonstrated understanding of confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive information in a laboratory setting, following relevant legislation, policies, and requirements.

Willingness to participate in a 24/7 rotating shift roster, including weekends, public holidays, and night shifts, and the ability to travel to any site or location within the operational area as 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.

Need more information?

For role related queries or questions contact Jarrod Pike on ***********@health.nsw.gov.au

To learn more about NSWHP please visit "Life at NSW Health Pathology" or connect with us on LinkedIn!