Laboratory Assistant

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Austin Health is the major provider of tertiary health services, health professional education and research across three campuses in the north-east of Melbourne and statewide. We have a highly engaged, diverse and collaborative workforce that is unified by our goal to help people live healthy and fulfilled lives. 

About the Central Specimen Reception - Pathology

Central Specimen Reception - Pathology is the hub for receiving, sorting, and processing patient specimens around the clock, ensuring that our diagnostic services are available 24/7. We are looking to fill a permanent full-time position, and the ideal candidate must be prepared to work any shift on a rotating roster covering all seven days of the week.

About the role 

We are currently seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Laboratory Assistant to join our Central Specimen Reception Team at Austin Pathology's Heidelberg Laboratory.

In this role, you will be responsible for the meticulous handling of patient specimens, from receiving and sorting to checking and processing them according to established departmental procedures. Your duties will include ensuring accurate labelling, preparing samples for analysis, and performing data entry with a high degree of accuracy. You will adhere to laboratory protocols, quality management systems, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Additionally, you will manage telephone inquiries, maintain laboratory equipment, and support hospital specimen pickups. This role requires participation in a 24-hour, 7-day rotating roster, including evenings, overnights, and weekends, to ensure uninterrupted service.

About you 

As the Pathology Specimen Reception Laboratory Assistant, you are an individual with a meticulous eye for detail, exceptional communication skills, and a profound dedication to delivering top-tier patient care. You'll bring energy and drive to your work, and have a keen interest in developing your skillset.

To be successful in this role you'll bring with you:

• Willingness and ability to work a variety of shifts—including evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays—as part of a 24/7 service.
• Excellent attention to detail for accurate specimen handling and data entry.
• Possess basic computer skills, including accurate and fast typing, confident navigation of computer systems.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic, reliability, and organisational skills, with the ability to effectively multitask in a busy environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Experience working in a pathology or laboratory environment will be well regarded, but is not essential.
• Experience providing customer service in a healthcare setting will be viewed favourably.

Our benefits 

Working at Austin Health means enjoying a strong sense of purpose, engaging in meaningful work every day. Our people also receive a variety of rewarding benefits, including: 

• Greater take-home pay through generous salary packaging, for living expenses, meals, and holiday accommodation. 
• A suite of wellness initiatives designed to support you, including discounted fitness memberships and special offers on health insurance, and a comprehensive wellbeing program. 
• Onsite childcare at Austin Hospital, easy access via public transport and car parking options. 
• Mentoring and career development opportunities. 

Work with us 

We are committed to cultural safety and health equity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. We celebrate, value, and include people of all backgrounds, genders, identities, cultures, bodies, and abilities. We welcome and support applications from talented people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ and people of all ages and cultures. 

If you feel this role is right for you, we encourage your early application. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. What matters most is your passion, your drive and your willingness to learn and contribute. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad prior to the advertised closing date. 

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and if required, a Working With Children Check. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, you are welcome to reach out to the hiring manager: Renee McEwan, Manager - Pre-Analytical Services at

Interested in finding out more about this opportunity? Read the position description for further details. 

Application closing date: Tuesday 9 September 2025