Scientific Officer, National Metabolic Screening Programme - LabPLUS

Exciting opportunity for a scientific officer working for the Newborn Metabolic Screening national programme, LabPlus, Auckland
Be part of a programme improving outcomes for neonates in NZ
Permanent full time position
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

We are inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified Scientists who are interested in progressing their career. The role is based in the Newborn Screening section (NBS) of the Specialist Chemical Pathology department at LabPlus. The NBS section provides a unique service for the NZ population. This position is full time working rostered shifts Monday to Sunday

Initially in this role you will be required to work closely with the current Scientific Officer offering technical and clinical support to the NBS programme. This will include routine running and troubleshooting of newborn screening assays, including in-house developed expanded screening using tandem mass spectrometry, contributing to the development of new assays, training and mentoring of staff, taking a lead role in interpreting and reporting of results, liaising with clinical staff and ensuring Prevention Directorate accreditation requirements are met. The role will also involve maintenance and development of the in-house developed middleware and review of newborn screening protocols.

About the Team/Service/ Location

LabPLUS is an IANZ accredited medical laboratory and is one of New Zealand's premier laboratories. LabPLUS are part of the state-owned Te Toka Tumai Auckland. LabPLUS is also a major referral laboratory for specialised laboratory tests for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Visit our website www.labplus.co.nz for more information.

The NBS area is part of the Specialist Chemical Pathology department which runs two other national programmes. The dedicated team of technicians and scientists provide a critical service in screening for critical inborn conditions which must be picked up within the first few days of life. The area is therefore busy and has strict turnaround time and quality requirements.

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About you

As the ideal person for this role, you will have the following skills and attributes:

a current annual practicing certificate and be registered (or have qualifications and training which will be recognised and lead to registration) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand.
an MSc, PhD or appropriate higher scientific qualification
advanced knowledge of tandem mass spectrometry with at least 2 years hands-on experience
highly developed communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
excellent organisational and advanced computer skills, including experience working with large data sets
experience with research and method development which has led to publications or presentations of that work
Click here to view the position description

For further information on this role please contact Colleen Harvey - Scientist Unit Manager on +64 21 510 972 or colleenh@adhb.govt.nz

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

Advertising closes: Sunday 15 February 2026 at 11:59 pm (New Zealand standard time).

To apply please click on the `Apply tab below and submit your application online attaching your updated CV and Covering Letter.

Click here to view details about our recruitment process

If you have any queries about accessibility, or technical issues with the online process, please contact Aaron Chamberlain - Recruitment Consultant at aaron.chamberlain@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz quoting ref #ADHB18562 to discuss how we can best support your application.