Technical Specialist - Histology

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau; Northland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau is seeking a Technical Specialist in Medical Laboratory Science (Histology) at Whangarei Hospital. This permanent full-time role focuses on technical leadership within the Histology department to ensure high-quality, safe pathology services.

You will support staff development, drive continuous improvement in workflow, and contribute to timely, accurate diagnostics while ensuring adherence to standards and best-practice laboratory procedures.

Qualifications

• NZ Registered & Licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist with MSC.
• Extensive experience in Histology and Anatomical Pathology.
• Proficient in clinical software and office tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and drive quality in Histology.
• Support operational, staffing and quality management.
• Facilitate staff development and continuous improvement.

Skills

Histology expertise

Leadership

Laboratory information systems

NZ registration and licensing

Computer literacy

Tools

MS Word

Outlook

Job description

Technical Specialist: Medical Laboratory Scientist – Histology Department, Anatomical Pathology – Whangarei Hospital, Te Tai Tokerau

Permanent full-time position, working 40 hours per week.

About the Role

Provide direct technical leadership and innovation within the department. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders. As a Technical Specialist, you will provide technical expertise and leadership within the specialised field of Histology, helping to ensure the Anatomical Pathology department consistently meets all relevant standards. You will support the prudent and effective use of staff and physical resources while contributing to a high-quality, safe, and reliable pathology service. As part of the Te Tai Tokerau Pathology Services team, you’ll play a key role in delivering timely and accurate results to laboratory users. You will be involved in all aspects of specimen handling, including collection, receipt, documentation, registration, processing, and reporting, as well as the management of specimens referred to external laboratories in accordance with authorised policies and protocols. The role also includes a range of technical and operational responsibilities expected of a Technical Specialist, particularly those related to quality, safety, and maintaining best-practice laboratory standards.

• Support the Head of Department by sharing responsibility for operational and quality management
• Establish and drive a clear career progression pathway for technical staff, improving retention and professional development
• Facilitate continuous improvement in workflow, supporting faster and more accurate diagnostics

About the Team / Service / Location

You’ll be joining a supportive, collaborative team of scientists, technicians, pathologists, and administrative staff who work closely together to achieve the best outcomes for patients. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, social group who look out for one another.

Our laboratory has recently moved into a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility—a bright, spacious, modern environment designed to support both excellent science and staff wellbeing.

Located in beautiful Te Tai Tokerau Northland, you’ll be close to some of the most stunning beaches and outdoor experiences.

About you

• New Zealand Registered & Licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist with the New Zealand Medical Sciences Council (MSC)
• Computer literacy: Word, Outlook and relevant clinical programs
• Extensive skills, knowledge & experience in a Histology department

Desired

• At least 2-3 years experience in a variety of areas within Anatomical Pathology
• Evidence of advanced skills in relevant areas
• Experience in student supervision and training

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand.

We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community.

We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.