Core Laboratory Scientist

Awanui Group; Lower Hutt; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Awanui Labs – Wellington is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist to join our Core Laboratory at Hutt Hospital. This permanent, part-time role offers 48 hours per fortnight (0.6 FTE) and involvement across Haematology, Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion, Microbiology and Specimen Reception.

You will work both independently and as part of a team, delivering accurate, timely diagnostic services with strong attention to quality and customer service.

Qualifications

• Registration or eligibility for MSCNZ and a current Annual Practising Certificate where applicable.
• Ability to work methodically adhering to strict quality procedure guidelines.
• Strong teamwork, initiative and interpersonal skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and good record-keeping.
• Willingness to learn across multiple Core Laboratory disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Receive, process, prepare and store specimens, prioritising urgent samples.
• Perform routine diagnostic testing across Core Laboratory disciplines.
• Perform specimen reception duties and register samples.
• Plan and manage workload to meet deadlines and turnaround times.
• Perform diagnostic testing and assays following SOPs.
• Set up, operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Conduct QC, calibrations and escalate issues when needed.
• Review results and escalate when necessary.
• Utilise LIS to generate worklists and record patient information.
• Follow quality, health and safety, infection control and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate across disciplines to support Core Laboratory service.
• Participate in ongoing training and competency assessment.

Skills

Methodical approach

Team player

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Cross-discipline learning

Job description

Permanent, Part-time

Lower Hutt, Wellington

Who we are | Ko wai mātou:

Awanui Labs – Wellington (previously known as Wellington SCL) is part of Awanui Group, the largest network of human and veterinary pathology laboratories in New Zealand. The Wellington lab provides high-quality diagnostic pathology services to the community, healthcare professionals, and patients.

About the role | Mō te tūranga:

Our Core Laboratory is on the lookout for a passionate and capable Medical Laboratory Scientist to join our dynamic team at Hutt Hospital. This is a permanent, part-time position, working 48 hours per fortnight (0.6 FTE).

This is a varied, multi-disciplinary role working across Haematology, Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion, Microbiology and Specimen Reception. You will contribute to the delivery of accurate, timely and high-quality diagnostic laboratory services that support excellent patient care.

You will be willing to learn new skills across multiple laboratory disciplines and work well both independently and as part of a team. You will be well-organised, detail-oriented and friendly, with a strong focus on quality and customer service. The successful applicant must have a high degree of accuracy and the ability to work effectively in a busy diagnostic laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, process, prepare and accurately store specimens, ensuring urgent samples are prioritised appropriately.
• Perform routine diagnostic testing across Core Laboratory disciplines, including Haematology, Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion and Microbiology, in accordance with validated methods and standard operating procedures.
• Perform specimen reception duties, including sample identification, registration, preparation and distribution to the appropriate laboratory areas.
• Plan and manage workload effectively to meet established deadlines and laboratory turnaround times.
• Perform diagnostic testing and assays following validated protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Apply a thorough understanding of the principles and techniques underlying departmental methods.
• Set up, operate and maintain laboratory equipment in accordance with departmental SOPs and method manuals.
• Perform routine equipment checks, calibrations, maintenance and quality control, identifying issues and escalating them as necessary.
• Review laboratory results and identify results requiring further investigation, repeat testing or escalation in accordance with laboratory procedures and scope of practice.
• Utilise the Laboratory Information System (LIS) proficiently, including generating worklists and accurately recording test and patient information.
• Follow laboratory quality, health and safety, infection prevention and regulatory requirements.
• Work collaboratively across laboratory disciplines to support an efficient and effective Core Laboratory service.
• Participate in ongoing training and competency assessment across relevant Core Laboratory disciplines.

About you | He kōrero mōu:

To be successful in this role you need to have:

• The ability to work in a methodical manner adhering to strict quality procedure guidelines.
• A team focus with initiative, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Excellent attention to detail, with good record-keeping skills.
• The ability to work independently, while in a supported role.
• An interest in developing and maintaining skills across multiple Core Laboratory disciplines.
• Registration or eligibility for registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand (MSCNZ) and a current Annual Practising Certificate where applicable.
• You will be required to participate in our evening and weekend rosters.
• Eligibility to work in New Zealand.

What’s in it for you | He aha mōu:

You will be joining a friendly, high-performing, and forward-thinking team environment. Our laboratory is highly automated and technically advanced, already delivering an outstanding service for patients and healthcare professionals.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop broad laboratory experience across Haematology, Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion, Microbiology and Specimen Reception.

Explore excellent opportunities to enhance your skills with our in-house Learning & Development team, ensuring your professional competency and career growth.

If you do not yet hold registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand, we will also consider candidates who are eligible for registration or are currently progressing towards qualification and registration.

Application closes on 15th October 2026