Pre-Analytical Technician – Specimen Reception

Awanui; Upper Hutt; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Awanui Labs is seeking a Pre-Analytical Technician to join the Specimen Services team at Hutt Hospital in Wellington. This busy, hands-on role handles specimen reception, processing, and preparation for testing with a focus on accuracy and timely results.

The position involves rostered shifts including evenings and weekends. Prior lab experience is an advantage, with training available for the right attitude and commitment to quality and patient care.

Qualifications

• Minimum of NCEA Level 3, including Science, Mathematics and English.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Good computer literacy and ability to learn laboratory information systems.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills for high-volume work.
• Clear communication and collaborative teamwork.
• Ability to follow established procedures and trial protocols with QA adherence.
• Flexible and reliable, willing to learn and develop new skills.
• Willingness to work rostered/rotating shifts including evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Receiving, checking and processing patient specimens for testing.
• Verify patient IDs and match specimens to requests.
• Check correct specimen types and suitability for tests.
• Register and enter specimen data into systems; escalate discrepancies.
• Distribute specimens to Haematology, Biochemistry, Histology and Microbiology.
• Handle clinical trial specimens per study protocols; centrifuge, aliquot and separate samples.
• Pack and dispatch specimens with proper packaging and temperature control.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Time management

Communication

Computer literacy

Procedural follow-through

Adaptability

Education

NCEA Level 3 (Science, Math, English)

Job description

Pre-Analytical Technician – Specimen Reception

Permanent, Full Time

Hutt Hospital

Who we are | Ko wai mātou:

Awanui Labs is a part of Awanui Group, the largest network of human and veterinary pathology laboratories in New Zealand. At Awanui, we’re proud to be a national network of 25 laboratories, 150 collection centres, and employers of over 2,200 people throughout Aotearoa. Our team of specialist pathologists, scientists, technicians, phlebotomists, couriers, and shared services personnel deliver a world-class service that together collects, analyses, and reports over 7 million patient results annually.

About the role | Mō te tūranga:

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated, detail-oriented individual to join our Specimen Services team at Hutt Hospital as a Pre-Analytical Technician.

Specimen Reception plays a critical role in the laboratory testing process. As one of the first points of contact for patient specimens entering the laboratory, you will help ensure samples are correctly identified, checked, registered and prepared for testing.

Your work will directly contribute to the accuracy, quality and timeliness of laboratory results, supporting clinicians in making important decisions about patient care.

In addition to routine diagnostic specimens, the role involves the receipt, handling and processing of clinical trial specimens, including specialised sample preparation, storage and dispatch. These activities require careful attention to study-specific protocols, accurate documentation and strict processing timeframes to maintain specimen integrity.

This is a busy, hands‑on role where accuracy, teamwork and efficiency are essential. You'll be joining a supportive team in an environment where every sample matters.

This position involves rostered and rotating shifts, including evenings and weekends. Applicants must be available and willing to work across the required shift patterns to support laboratory operations.

Key responsibilities

Specimen Reception and Processing

• Receiving, checking and processing patient specimens in preparation for laboratory testing.
• Verifying patient identification details and ensuring specimens match the accompanying request information.
• Checking that the correct specimen types have been collected for the tests requested.
• Assessing specimen suitability, including appropriate transport and storage conditions.
• Accurately registering and entering patient and specimen information into laboratory computer systems.
• Identifying and escalating specimen discrepancies, errors or quality concerns in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Preparing and distributing specimens to the appropriate laboratory departments, including Haematology, Biochemistry, Histology and Microbiology.

Clinical Trial Specimen Processing

• Receiving, identifying, handling and processing clinical trial specimens in accordance with study-specific protocols and laboratory procedures.
• Performing specialised specimen preparation, including centrifugation, aliquoting and separation of samples, as required by individual study protocols.
• Ensuring specimens are processed within specified timeframes and maintained under the appropriate temperature and handling conditions.
• Preparing and storing specimens, including refrigeration and freezing at specified temperatures, in accordance with study requirements.
• Accurately labelling, documenting and tracking clinical trial specimens to maintain sample integrity, traceability and compliance with study protocols.
• Packaging and preparing clinical trial specimens for transport and dispatch, ensuring appropriate packaging, temperature control and accompanying documentation.
• Identifying and escalating any specimen discrepancies, processing issues or deviations from study protocols.

Quality, Safety and Teamwork

• Following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality requirements and health and safety practices.
• Maintaining accurate records and ensuring the integrity and traceability of all specimens.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure specimens are processed accurately and within required timeframes.
• Participating in rostered and rotating shifts, including evening and weekend work, to meet operational requirements.

About you | He kōrero mōu

We're looking for someone who takes pride in getting the details right, enjoys working as part of a team and understands the importance of delivering a reliable service.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• A minimum of NCEA Level 3, including Science, Mathematics and English.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Good computer literacy, including accurate and efficient keyboard skills, and the ability to learn new laboratory information systems.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage high volumes of work while maintaining accuracy.
• Clear communication skills and a positive, collaborative approach to teamwork.
• The ability to follow established procedures, including specific clinical trial protocols, and work consistently within quality and safety requirements.
• A flexible, reliable and self‑motivated attitude, with a willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• The ability and willingness to work rostered and rotating shifts, including evenings and weekends.
• A strong commitment to providing a high standard of service and supporting positive patient outcomes.

Previous laboratory experience is an advantage but is not essential. We welcome applications from people who demonstrate the right attitude, aptitude and commitment to learning.

Qualifications and professional development

Registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand, together with a current Annual Practising Certificate as a Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technician, is desirable but not essential.

If you are not currently registered, you may be appointed as a Specimen Services Trainee, with support and training to work towards the relevant qualification and professional registration requirements.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical laboratory experience, develop valuable technical skills and build a career within the medical laboratory profession.

Physical requirements

This is an active, hands‑on position that involves working in a busy laboratory environment. Some duties require standing and walking for extended periods

Why join us?

At Awanui Labs, you'll be part of a team that makes a meaningful contribution to patient care every day.

We offer the opportunity to work in an essential healthcare service, develop your laboratory skills and gain experience alongside knowledgeable and supportive colleagues.

Whether you're an experienced Pre-Analytical Technician or someone looking to begin a career in laboratory services, we value people who are committed to quality, teamwork and continuous learning.

Ready to join us?

If you're enthusiastic, detail‑focused and ready to make a difference in a role where accuracy really matters, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close: 4 November 2026