Scientist

Job Description

Role title : Scientist, National Animal Health Laboratory

Role type

Fixed-term or Secondment until December

• / full-time

Location

Wallaceville, Upper Hutt

General Salary Range E / F

$76,463 - $101,621 per annum depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Korero mo te Turanga

At New Zealand's National Animal Health Laboratory we're seeking a Scientist expert in Bacteriology and Mycology.

Back-filling for a staff member on Parental Leave you'll play a key role in enhancing MPI's sequencing capabilities, working in a dynamic environment where flexibility is essential.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to New Zealand's biosecurity while growing your own scientific knowledge.

About You – Mou

We're seeking a highly motivated individual with hands-on technical experience in bacterial culture.

You should have strong expertise in bacterial identification, including biochemical and molecular techniques, and prior experience with Mycoplasma bovis.

Knowledge of mycology would be advantageous.

Our ideal applicant is a pro-active team player with sound judgment, initiative, and a creative approach to problem-solving.

Preferred candidates will demonstrate

Extensive laboratory microbiology skills

Experience in molecular biology techniques

Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

Leadership and mentoring experience within a team setting

A background in collaborative research and quality systems

Strong planning, project management, and prioritisation skills

A proactive approach to building relationships with internal and external stakeholders

The ability to work 5 days per week at the laboratory

About the Team - Mo to matou Ropu

This position is based in the Bacteriology and Mycology team within Biosecurity New Zealand's National Animal Health Laboratory.

Biosecurity NZ works closely with industries to maximise opportunities for export, improve sector productivity and sustainability of resources and to protect from biological risks.

Benefits of working at MPI - Nga hua o te Mahi i te Manatu Ahu Matua

Up to three additional (MPI holidays) leave days

Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation

On-site and free carparking at our Wallaceville, Upper Hutt facility

Security checks - Nga 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.

clickhereto find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we may not be able to accept your application.

Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamatau Whakapoauau 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, here.

Are you ready to make a difference?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.

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 Manatu 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 to 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

NB : If you are currently employed as a Permanent member of staff with MPI or another Ministry / Government Dept and applying for this role in a Secondment capacity, please ensure you obtain your Manager's approval to apply.

Should you be successful in obtaining this role your Manager will need to 'release' you from your current substantive role to take up this secondment tenure.

If you have any questions about the role, please email

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