Medical Laboratory Technician | Bacteriology

• Christchurch – Canterbury Health Laboratories – Bacteriology
• Permanent full-time working 40 hours (Sunday to Thursday 0800-1700)

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.

About the role

Our Bacteriology Department is looking for a Medical Laboratory Technician with a positive, helpful attitude to join us in our mission of providing a high-quality service within our laboratory. 

Canterbury Health Laboratories is the largest medical laboratory in the South Island which is also a major secondary/tertiary referral centre.  We have a modern and well-equipped lab including a good range of specialist equipment. Our laboratory is open 24 hours a day, providing timely results to our clinicians to ensure our patients are getting the right treatment, at the right time. Our Bacteriology Department is made up of a team of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Microbiologists, and Registrars. 

As a Medical Laboratory Technician within the Bacteriology Department, you will perform a range of diagnostic testing and specimen processing activities to support clinicians and patients across the health system. You will work closely with Medical Laboratory Scientists, Pathologists, and clinical teams to ensure accurate and timely laboratory results.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Processing and prioritising microbiology specimens in accordance with laboratory protocols.
• Inoculating specimens onto appropriate culture media and undertaking primary specimen processing.
• Processing urine specimens using automated urinalysis systems.
• Performing microscopy of body fluids and preparing Gram stains.
• Loading, monitoring, and processing blood cultures using automated blood culture systems.
• Assisting with preliminary identification and sensitivity testing of positive blood cultures.
• Performing PCR and molecular diagnostic testing in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Ensuring quality control processes are followed and documented.
• Communicating urgent or significant results to supervising scientists and clinicians as required.
• Providing excellent customer service to clinicians, patients, and healthcare providers.
• Contributing to a safe, quality-focused, and collaborative laboratory environment.

About you

Skills and experience

A patient focused and flexible approach to your work to ensure our team goals are met;

• An eye for excellence and quality;
• The ability to work independently and under periods of pressure;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with a range of people from various backgrounds;
• CurrentNZ Registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand.

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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