Chemical Pathologist

Canterbury District Health Board; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development

Relocation and visa support

Live in Christchurch

Job summary

Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) at Christchurch Hospital invites a Chemical Pathologist to lead diagnostic services and develop specialist tests in biochemistry. You will join a small team providing expert interpretation, QA, and test validation while contributing to lipid clinics and national screening programs.

The role offers opportunities in research and teaching within a nationally respected laboratory dedicated to innovation and clinical excellence in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Qualifications

• Vocational registration (or eligibility) in Chemical Pathology with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
• Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (FRCPA) or equivalent.
• Experience or strong interest in specialist biochemistry testing (e.g., mass spectrometry, endocrine, toxicology).
• Interest in lipidology or running lipid clinics (desirable).
• Passion for innovation, quality improvement, and teaching.

Responsibilities

• Deliver diagnostic services and quality assurance for CHL’s biochemical tests.
• Lead specialist test development and validation in collaboration with scientific teams.
• Contribute to lipid clinics, national screening programs, research, and teaching.
• Support interpretation of results and guidance on test implementation.
• Participate in continuous improvement and clinical excellence initiatives.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Endocrine testing

Toxicology testing

Biochemistry knowledge

Innovation mindset

Education

FRCPA or equivalent

MCNZ vocational registration (eligibility)

Tools

MS/MS

Q-TOF

TOF

ICP-MS

Job description

Chemical Pathologist | Christchurch | Permanent Full Time

Shape the future of pathology in Aotearoa New Zealand –while enjoying the lifestyle only Waitaha Canterbury can offer.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Join a nationally respected, innovation-focused laboratory working alongside leading experts in specialist biochemistry.

About the Role

As a Chemical Pathologist with Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL), you will play a pivotal role in delivering diagnostic services, quality assurance, and specialist test development for one of only two tertiary referral laboratories in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Based at Christchurch Hospital, the South Island’s largest tertiary centre, you will join a collaborative team of three Chemical Pathologists and a registrar. Together, you will provide expert interpretation, support scientific teams, guide test validation and implementation, and contribute to innovation in specialist biochemistry.

You will also have opportunities to participate in lipid clinics, national screening programmes, research, and teaching supported by a laboratory committed to continuous improvement and clinical excellence.

About the Team / Service / Location

Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) is a national leader in diagnostic pathology and a key part of Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha Canterbury.

Our laboratory provides 24/7 services to Christchurch Hospital, regional services across Te Waipounamu (South Island), and specialist services nationwide. The team includes highly skilled scientists, technicians, phlebotomists, and support staff – all dedicated to innovation and patient-centred care.

We operate a comprehensive test menu covering toxicology, metabolic, endocrine, and protein biomarkers, supported by advanced technology including MS/MS, Q-TOF, TOF, and ICP-MS. The lab is ISO 15189 accredited and an approved RCPA and University of Otago training site.

Find out more about living and working in Ōtautahi Christchurch

About You

To thrive in this role, you will bring:

• Vocational registration (or eligibility) in Chemical Pathology with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)
• Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (FRCPA) or equivalent
• Experience or strong interest in specialist biochemistry testing (e.g., mass spectrometry, endocrine, toxicology)
• Interest in lipidology or running lipid clinics (desirable but not essential)
• A passion for innovation, quality improvement, and teaching

New fellows are warmly encouraged to apply — full support and training will be provided.

Applicants must be eligible for vocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand in Chemical Pathology. Supervision capacity is limited, so preference will be given to those holding FRCPA, FRCPath, or equivalent qualifications.

Working at Health New Zealand

At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, we are committed to delivering equitable, person‑centred care. Our values put people first – Ko ngā tāngata, te mātua mahi – Putting people at the heart of all we do.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

We offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where possible
• Ongoing professional development and academic partnerships
• Relocation and visa support for international candidates
• A chance to live and work in one of New Zealand’s most liveable cities