Section Leader Molecular/ Serology

Awanui; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Awanui Veterinary and Scientific in Palmerston North is seeking an experienced Section Leader to head the Molecular/Serology team. This permanent, full-time role (80 hours per fortnight) focuses on coordinating daily workflows and supporting staff to maintain high-quality diagnostic performance.

You will lead operations, ensure safety and best-practice standards, and contribute to service improvements while liaising with the Laboratory Manager and broader team.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to supervise and mentor a high-performing team.
• Strong commitment to diagnostic accuracy and laboratory quality.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate across levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Molecular/Serology section to ensure smooth, efficient laboratory workflows.
• Provide training, mentorship, and support while fostering a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
• Maintain high standards of diagnostic accuracy, quality, and safety while adhering to laboratory protocols.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiency gains, and service enhancements, and assist in implementing solutions.
• Coordinate sample workflows and contribute to reporting and administrative tasks.

Job description

Section Leader – Molecular/Serology

Permanent, Full-time

Palmerston North

Who we are | Ko wai mātou:

Awanui Veterinary and Scientific, formerly Gribbles Veterinary and Scientific, is part of Awanui Group, the largest network of human and veterinary pathology laboratories in New Zealand. We are dedicated to delivering top-tier laboratory services to clients nationwide, supporting the health and well-being of animals across the country.

About the role | Mō te tūranga:

Our Palmerston North laboratory has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Section Leader to lead our Molecular/Serology team. This is a permanent, full-time role of 80 hours per fortnight, where you’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of our Molecular and Serology operations while providing leadership and support to your team.

This role provides the opportunity to act as a key support to the Laboratory Manager and the wider team, helping to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the section.

As a Section Lead, you will assist with coordinating daily workflows, supporting the team and contributing to the ongoing development of Molecular / Serology services. Success in this position requires strong interpersonal and organisational skills, solid molecular expertise and a commitment to maintaining high-quality diagnostic performance. You will play an active role in supporting staff, facilitating communication, contributing to service improvement initiatives, and ensuring reliable, efficient, and consistent operations across the department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the Molecular/Serology section to ensure smooth, efficient, and accurate laboratory workflows.
• Support and guide the team, providing training, mentorship, and assistance while fostering a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
• Maintain high standards of diagnostic accuracy, quality, and safety while adhering to laboratory protocols and best practice standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiency gains, and service enhancements, and assist in implementing solutions.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues regarding sample or workflow queries and assist with related administrative and reporting tasks.

About you | He kōrero mōu

To be successful in this role you need to have:

• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to supervise, mentor, develop and maintain a high-performing team.
• Self-motivated, disciplined, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of diagnostic accuracy and laboratory quality.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels and foster a positive team environment.
• Strong organisational, time management, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities in a fast-paced diagnostic laboratory setting.
• Professional in appearance and conduct, with confidence using laboratory information systems and standard computer applications.
• Experience with laboratory administration or coordination (e.g., reporting, rostering, inventory management) is advantageous, but not essential.

What’s in it for you | He aha mōu:

You will be joining a friendly, high-performing, and forward-thinking team environment. Our veterinary laboratory is renowned for delivering an outstanding service to our clients.

Application closes 5 September 2026