Core Laboratory Scientist

Awanui; Upper Hutt; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 54,000; Part time

Job summary

Awanui Labs - Wellington invites applications for a Core Laboratory Scientist at Hutt Hospital. This permanent, part-time role offers 0.6 FTE with 48 hours per fortnight, working across Haematology, Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion, Microbiology and Specimen Reception to deliver high-quality diagnostic services.

You will work both independently and as part of a team, maintain accuracy, follow SOPs, and participate in ongoing training; evening and weekend rosters may apply.

Qualifications

• Must be registered or eligible for MSCNZ and maintain annual practising certificate where applicable.
• Methodical approach with strict quality procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in a fast-paced lab.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team across disciplines.
• Willingness to learn across Core Laboratory disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Receive, process and store specimens with prioritisation of urgent samples.
• Perform routine diagnostics across Haematology, Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion and Microbiology per SOPs.
• Handle specimen reception duties including registration and distribution.
• Plan workload to meet deadlines and turnaround times.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment per SOPs and method manuals.
• Apply understanding of underlying lab techniques and QA principles.
• Record results and LIS data accurately.
• Follow safety, infection control and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate across disciplines to support Core Laboratory service.
• Participate in training and competency assessments.

Skills

Methodical

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Multidisciplinary interest

Education

Registration or eligibility for MSCNZ

Tools

LIS proficiency

Job description

Core Laboratory Scientist

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