Senior Technician - Embalmer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have eight academic faculties and 11 service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

Our lecturers and health researchers are regarded as experts in their fields, frequently directing global research projects designed to better the lives of New Zealanders and the world, and in turn passing this knowledge on to our students.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

You’ll be joining a small, dedicated team within the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences that plays a vital role in supporting anatomy teaching and research. The Human Anatomy Laboratory (HAL) is a specialised facility used by undergraduate and postgraduate students, academic staff, and healthcare professionals.

The team works collaboratively to ensure that the lab environment is safe, respectful, and educationally effective. You will work alongside experienced technicians, academics, and researchers who value precision, professionalism, and compassion in handling human tissue. Together, the team ensures that the HAL upholds the highest ethical standards while contributing to the development of future health professionals.

This is a supportive and collegial environment where your specialist knowledge and attention to detail will be highly valued.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are offering a rare and meaningful opportunity to contribute to the delivery of high-quality anatomy teaching and research through expert technical support. As the Human Anatomy Laboratory (HAL) Technician, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the HAL and adjoining facilities, including the care and management of human tissue and cadavers.

Key responsibilities include:

• • Receiving, embalming, storing, and tracking human cadavers and associated tissue
• • Preparing and maintaining plastinated, prosected, and preserved human specimens for teaching and workshops
• • Supporting undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional teaching sessions and assessments
• • Maintaining hazardous substances, laboratory equipment, and facility cleanliness to regulatory standards
• • Liaising with researchers and supporting research activities as required
• • Delivering inductions and training for lab users and advising on health and safety improvements
• • Managing inventory, procurement of specialised materials, and maintaining equipment records.

This is a vital role in a specialised teaching environment where respectful care, technical skill, and a commitment to safe and compliant practice are paramount.

This is a fulltime (37.5 hours per week), permanent position. The salary range for this role is between $72,000- $88,900 dependent on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu | About you



You will be a qualified embalmer with practical experience in anatomical or pathology-related environments. You are confident working independently while also contributing effectively to a team, and you take pride in maintaining high standards of safety, accuracy, and professionalism in all aspects of your work.

You will bring:

• • A National Diploma of Embalming and a current Practising Certificate in Embalming
• • 4–5 years of experience, including apprenticeship or hands-on experience during tertiary study
• • Strong time management and organisational skills
• • Good typing, word processing, and spreadsheet competency
• • A proactive and flexible approach, with attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills
• • The ability to collaborate with staff, students, departments, and external agencies

Ideally, you will also have:

• • A bachelor’s degree in Anatomy and/or Pathology
• • A current First Aid Certificate
• • Confidence in proposing and advising on lab safety improvements

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 11 August 2025 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Deborah Prendergast, via [email protected], for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

We reserve the right to close applications early if a suitable candidate is found.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz