Medical Laboratory Scientist (Technical lead)

• Christchurch – Canterbury Health Laboratories - Specialist Chemistry
• Permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week (Technical Lead)

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.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Medical Laboratory Scientist – Technical Lead to provide leadership within a specialist laboratory cluster. This is a key role responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, accurate, and timely diagnostic services that support patient care and outcomes.

About the Role

Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) is a busy diagnostic facility providing services to in-patients and outpatients at Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury within Christchurch. You’ll be working for the largest medical laboratory in the South Island which is also a major secondary/tertiary referral centre with a varied and challenging case load.  We have a modern and well-equipped lab including a good range of specialist equipment.

The successful applicant would be one of two Technical Leads in our busy Ministry of Health’s Antenatal Downs Screening programme. You will help oversee the day-to-day operations of the laboratory subsection, providing technical leadership, staff development, and operational coordination. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining service excellence, supporting innovation, and ensuring compliance with professional and accreditation standards.

Working within your scope of practice as determined by the Medical Sciences Council, you will contribute to patient diagnosis, management, and treatment through expert laboratory practice. 

Key Responsibilities

Professional Leadership

• Lead, coach, and support staff, including competency sign-off and training of new team members
• Develop and maintain training for staff
• Promote a positive team culture, addressing behaviours constructively
• Support succession planning in partnership with the Section Head

Laboratory Operations

• Coordinate rostering to ensure appropriate test coverage
• Lead troubleshooting and provide advanced technical support within the section
• Act as a key escalation point for clinical and technical issues, including Pathology review
• Ensure smooth daily operations, including stock management and consumables ordering
• Support IT and Laboratory Information System (LIS) requirements
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external laboratories
• Respond to client enquiries and support service delivery needs
• Ensure accurate, high-quality testing and timely results

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Lead participation in quality activities, including maintaining ISO 15189 accreditation
• Oversee SOP development, review, and document control
• Support implementation of new technologies and methodologies
• Ensure the section operates efficiently and meets organisational standards
• Promote a culture of communication, innovation, and problem-solving

Professional Development

• Maintain competency within MLS scope of practice
• Engage in ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and leadership development 

About You

Essential:

• Registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a diagnostic laboratory
• Experience working within an IANZ accredited laboratory
• Demonstrated ability to maintain high professional standards aligned with MLS competencies

Desirable:

• Proven leadership experience, including working with diverse teams
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills 

Working at Health New Zealand

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. 

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Position description Apply now

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