Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist

Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist – Molecular Pathology
Permanent, Full-Time
Dunedin

Who we are | Ko wai mātou:
Awanui Labs - Dunedin (previously known as SCL) provides high quality diagnostic pathology services to the community, healthcare professionals and their patients. Awanui labs - Dunedin is owned by Awanui Group (Previously known as Asia Pacific Healthcare Group), a healthcare company committed to providing facilities and services that deliver exceptional care to its clients.

About the role | Mō te tūranga:
We are seeking a Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist to join our Molecular Pathology Department in our Dunedin Lab. This is a permanent, full-time position of 80 hours per fortnight within a high-performing team.

In this role, you'll be responsible for performing and reporting on molecular pathology testing with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. You'll report to the Head of Department and support them in managing workflow, maintaining molecular diagnostic equipment, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards. The role also involves training junior staff, contributing to internal and external quality programs, and participating in weekend and on-call rosters as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform and interpret routine and specialized molecular pathology tests (nucleic acid-based assays).
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of laboratory results in line with molecular diagnostic quality standards.
• Support workflow organization and prioritization to meet service and clinical requirements.
• Participate in internal and external molecular quality control programmes.
• Maintain molecular laboratory equipment and ensure optimal performance.
• Provide technical advice and training to junior team members in molecular techniques.
• Identify and implement improvements to molecular testing processes and quality systems.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory policies specific to molecular diagnostics.
• Stay current with developments in molecular pathology and maintain professional standards.
  
  

About you | He kōrero mōu
To be successful in this role you need to have:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in molecular pathology, including at least 2 years in diagnostic molecular testing.
• A registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand as a Medical Laboratory Scientist with an Annual Practising Certificate.
• Strong commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and high-quality results.
• Proven ability to interpret complex laboratory data and report findings confidently.
• Skilled in workflow prioritisation and working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior laboratory staff.
• Demonstrable leadership skills, with a broad range of molecular testing experience and the ability to manage and troubleshoot across multiple molecular platforms.
• Familiarity with quality assurance systems and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide technical and scientific advice.
• The ability to work in a methodical manner adhering to strict quality procedure guidelines.
• Committed to health and safety compliance and maintaining a clean, safe work environment.
• Eligibility to work in New Zealand.

What's in it for you | He aha mōu:
You will be joining a friendly, high-performing, and forward-thinking team environment. Our laboratory is highly automated and technically advanced, already delivering an outstanding service for patients and healthcare professionals. Explore excellent opportunities to enhance your skills with our in-house Learning & Development team, ensuring your professional competency and career growth.

If you are passionate about your work, dedicated to quality and want to be part of a friendly supportive team, please click 'Apply now'

Application closes 20 November 2025