Senior Scientist

We have an opportunity to join our world-class forensic laboratory as a permanent (40 hour) Senior Scientist at our Mount Albert / Auckland location.

You’ll be responsible for the technical examination, analysis, and reporting of suspected drug samples for presentation in court. You’ll prepare non‑opinion and opinion‑based reports, certificates, and statements for presentation in court as required.

You’ll also be responsible for case management, overseeing all aspects of cases, coordinating various analyses, and liaising with clients. The role will involve consulting and advising stakeholders regarding drugs casework and other scientific matters. This may include support for Drug Checking service providers through the analysis of samples, on‑call cover over the summer music festival period and on‑site attendance.

Kia angitu koe | About you

To be successful in this role you will have :

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• A clean and current full New Zealand driver licence
• Drive and desire to thrive in a fast‑paced and exciting environment
• A BA in chemistry and a minimum of 3+ years of relevant chemistry laboratory experience
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices
• Demonstrated work experience and demonstrated ability to work independently across a range of technical duties.
• Ability to plan, collect data, analyse and report results for specific areas of work.
• A demonstrated area of technical skill or skills which enables you to undertake complex, specialist technical work.
• Experience in the use of analytical instrumentation including microscopes, FTIR, GC, GCMS, UHPLC and LCMSMS.
• Problem‑solving ability, particularly in relation to science methods.

Please note that you will be expected to participate in an on‑call roster for the Customs‑ESR Rapid Screening Laboratory at Auckland Airport and on‑call cover over the summer music festival period to support Drug Checking services.

Established in 2025, formerly ESR, PHF Science is a New Zealand Government‑owned research organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities. Specialising in public health and forensic sciences, we monitor disease, help ensure safe food and water, reduce harm from drugs, support the justice system and more. Our science powers innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow.

With 4 locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), we use world‑leading science to monitor disease, test food and products, safeguard our water, and support the justice sector. By joining forces with experts and iwi, we’re tackling critical issues to ensure a better Aotearoa New Zealand for all.

We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values‑driven, flexible, and ever evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification.

We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and / or te reo Māori.

If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with

Applications close midday on Thursday 21 August 2025

Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity.

We will be back in touch as applications have been reviewed.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

At PHF Science, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people is our highest priority. Depending on the role and exposure risks, mandatory vaccinations may include Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningococcal, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, and Polio. In some roles you may need to confirm your vaccination status in accordance with health and safety advice before you commence employment. Participation in PHF Science’s vaccination programme is a condition of employment for new staff. We choose to share this information early in our hiring process so candidates can make an informed choice and are happy to discuss further at interview stage if you have any questions.

PHF Science is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.

If you don’t meet every requirement in this position description, please don’t exclude yourself. Studies indicate that women and other individuals from under‑represented groups often only apply when they satisfy all the criteria. We focus on recruiting individuals who share our core values of Mahi Rangatira (Our quality counts), Mahi tahi (our team spirit), Mahi Auaha (we push boundaries), Mahi Pono (we do the right thing). If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to submit your application.

PHF Science is committed to developing a diverse, inclusive, equitable workplace where people feel they belong. We believe this is the right thing to do, but we also believe it is a worthwhile commitment that makes our organisation stronger and more capable through building on our diversity of thinking, enabling us to better understand the needs of our stakeholders and people and respond effectively to them. An inclusive environment means the diverse perspectives we have are more likely to be expressed, heard, and acted on.

Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre‑employment drug‑screen and police records check as conditions of employment as well as the provision of a staff elimination DNA sample

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