Medical Laboratory Scientist

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

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 a motivated and skilled Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) to join our Specialist Service team. This role plays a vital part in delivering accurate and timely laboratory services that support patient diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

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. 

As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, you will provide a comprehensive laboratory service involving the collection, receipt, preparation, and analysis of human biological samples. You will work within your professional scope of practice as determined by the Medical Sciences Council and contribute to maintaining high standards of quality and patient care.

Key Responsibilities

Professional Responsibilities

• Actively participate in training and professional development activities
• Work with the Section Head to develop and maintain training and professional development plans
• Support a positive team culture, including constructively addressing behaviours where required

Laboratory Operations

• Perform a wide range of laboratory duties, including troubleshooting of tests and equipment
• Operate and manage the laboratory information system, including patient registration, data entry, and result access
• Conduct manual and automated assays across a variety of sample types
• Support quality systems and contribute to maintaining accreditation to ISO 15189
• Provide support to wider laboratory services as required

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Maintain competency within your MLS scope of practice
• Keep knowledge current through ongoing CPD activities
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and development 

About You

Essential:

• Registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Ability to maintain high professional standards aligned with MLS competency requirements

Desirable:

• Experience working within an IANZ accredited laboratory
• EITHER experience in paediatric metabolic biochemistry OR have an interest and experience in manual and semi-automated techniques including LC-MS/MS.

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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