Head of Department - Biochemistry - Dunedin

Head of Department - Biochemistry
Permanent, Full-time

Dunedin

Who we are | Ko wai mātou:

Awanui Labs Dunedin (previously traded as/known as SCL Dunedin) is part of Awanui Group, the largest network of human and veterinary diagnostics laboratories in NZ. Awanui has laboratories throughout the country and is committed to providing facilities and services that deliver exceptional care to its patients, referrers, and clients. Our team consists of talented and skilled individuals, all of whom play an important role in helping us to be New Zealand's leading provider of quality private healthcare services.

Awanui Labs Dunedin is based at the Dunedin Hospital. The laboratory operates 24 hours, 7 days and is well equipped with highly automated newly installed Chemistry lines. The Biochemistry department performs a mix of hospital and community testing, processing a wide variety of automated and manual tests. There are currently 19 FTE working in the department, supported by a Clinical Scientist and Pathologist.

About the role |Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga
We currently have a leadership opening for a high-performing Biochemistry Head of Department at our Dunedin laboratory. This is a full-time, permanent position reporting to the Laboratory Manager.

This role offers you the opportunity to lead a dynamic department, overseeing a team of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Technicians and Trainees. The department provides a wide range of diagnostic testing including clinical chemistry, infectious serology, special tests and drugs of abuse testing via LC-MS. 

To be successful in this role you need strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop the team.  You will have significant Biochemistry technical and operational knowledge and a commitment to service excellence, continuous improvement, and high-quality diagnostic performance. 
As we embrace change, we invite you to infuse your unique perspective, leveraging your own expertise to take this critical position to new heights.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage all Biochemistry department operations, working closely with the department’s Second-In-Charge, Technical Specialists, Clinical Scientist and Pathologist, ensuring high-quality, efficient diagnostic services in line with accreditation standards and contractual agreements. Ensure the effective day-to-day running of the department.

Oversee staffing, rostering, performance and leave management.

Support professional growth and development of team members by providing technical advice, training and education.

Monitor and manage efficient stock control and consumables usage to minimize waste and maintain cost-effectiveness.

Oversee laboratory instrumentation, quality control and compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Introduce appropriate methodologies to the laboratory, optimizing processes to enhance service quality and turnaround times.

Collaborate with staff across the Awanui network to ensure alignment of policies,  processes and SOP harmonisation.

Lead projects and continuous improvement initiatives to further develop departmental capability and service excellence..

Work collaboratively with the Clinical Scientist, Clinical Pathologist, General Manager, Laboratory Manager, other Heads of Department in Dunedin and across the Awanui network as well as other Regional Managers, Health New Zealand staff and referrers.

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

Registration as a Medical Laboratory Scientist with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand and  specialisation in Biochemistry with a current Annual Practicing Certificate. Applicants without registration are expected to meet the requirements for registration and Annual practicing certificate.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to lead teams effectively and foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture.

Proven record of successfully leading and managing a technical team with a focus on quality systems, efficiency and developing high-performing teams.

Experience managing budgets, monitoring KPIs and making decisions to drive continuous improvement. 

Minimum of 5 years of experience working in the field of Biochemistry.

Demonstrated technical expertise in Biochemistry and a thorough understanding of laboratory protocols and practices.

Proven commitment to delivering  exceptional service, with strong communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.skills.

Experience managing quality systems and sound understanding of Health and Safety regulations.

Effective time management skills and ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Patient-focused and committed to professional development of self and team members.

IT proficiency including  Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), Middleware, Word and Excel.

What’s in it for you | He aha mōu:
Our three core values guide us in creating an inclusive and respected workplace where everyone can thrive and make a meaningful difference:

Manaakitanga - We Care for each other and the people we serve.

Whakapakari - We Improve and adapt to create opportunities for success.

Hiranga - We Deliver the highest quality medical and scientific expertise.

Our laboratory is highly automated and technically advanced, delivering outstanding service for patients and healthcare professionals.

We also offer excellent opportunities to enhance your skills with our in-house Learning & Development team, supporting 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 2 April 2026