About the Role - Kōrero mō te tūranga
We have a vacancy for a highly talented Senior Technician to work in our Aquatic Animal Diseases (AAD) team. As the Senior Technician, Aquatic Animal Diseases, you'll work with other leading scientists, bringing your own unique knowledge to bear on challenging biosecurity questions.
You'll provide intellectual and technical expertise to the AAD team, enhancing our ability to respond to high-priority infectious animal diseases. Alongside this, you'll mentor others within Biosecurity New Zealand to help develop their knowledge and skills.
About You - Mōu
Our ideal candidate will have the following:
- BSc or post graduate qualification in a relevant scientific field.
- Molecular techniques validations and troubleshooting (PCR).
- Knowledge and experience of microbiological laboratories.
- Planning, coordination, organising, teamwork, leadership.
- Leading technical projects.
- Experience of quality assurance systems.
- Knowledge and experience on standards and regulations impacting on laboratory work (e.g.ISO:17025, AS/NZS 2243.3, animal ethics, HSNO).
- Excellent written skills: a demonstrated ability to produce written material that is concise, fluent and clearly presented.
Why work for us?
Our Diagnostic, Readiness Surveillance Services (DRS) directorate are the guardians of Aotearoa New Zealand's biosecurity. We run a number of targeted and passive biosecurity surveillance programmes at any one time, identifying new pests and diseases that make it past our borders, providing research and analysis on their impact, and supporting eradication where we can. Our laboratory programmes aren't just national – we also work with international partners to monitor biosecurity threats.
One of our greatest assets is our people. We've got a team of highly qualified, passionate science professionals who get to work on an extensive range of organisms and projects. With employees from over 20 different countries, DRS is one of the most diverse, welcoming spaces in MPI.
Then there's our facilities. Our design-award winning Wallaceville biocontainment laboratory is one of the newest, most advanced biocontainment labs in the world. Opened in 2021, it's the most complex building in New Zealand. All our labs are reference labs, so you can expect to be challenged by complex diagnostic investigations. We are seeking highly qualified people - critical thinkers solving dynamic problems. You'll work on challenging, interesting and unusual cases – providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua
Our role includes seizing export opportunities for our food and fibre sector, improving sector productivity, ensuring the food we produce is safe, increasing sustainable resource use, and protecting New Zealand from biological risk.
Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua
- Up to three additional (MPI holidays) leave days
- Work amongst some of the best scientific minds in the country
- Work from one of the most technologically advanced biocontainment laboratories in the world
Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro
Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred applicant/s for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site under the application process, on pre-employment checks page.
Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru
Low level Security Clearance
most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.
Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whanau and hāpori.
We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua a great place to work for all.
In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, your whakapapa; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.
To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.
Applications close at midnight on Tuesday 18th March 2025.
If you have any questions about the role, please email Luke.Farrell@mpi.govt.nz
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