Specialist Adviser - Microbial Risk & Epidemiology

The role integrates microbiological and epidemiological insights to support New Zealand Food Safety's research, standards, and regulatory activities.

You will provide scientific advice on pathogen detection, transmission, and control, and lead or support projects under the MPI Operational Research Programme.

A key focus is contributing to risk assessment, management, and communication—particularly in analysing and reporting foodborne illness data.The role also supports MPI's response to food-related incidents and emerging issues, helping develop systems for tracking and reporting human health impacts.About YouYou will be a microbiology expert with strong applied epidemiology skills, preferably focusing on foodborne pathogens.In this role, you will do the following : Lead scientific and statistical work aligned with the Food Safety strategy, contributing to the development of food safety standards and evidence-based decision making.Provide expert advice on food safety risks to MPI and stakeholders, supporting risk assessment, management, and communication.Enhance internal capability by guiding epidemiological and statistical methods, including sampling, data analysis, and visualisation.Manage foodborne disease reporting, including regular trend analysis and responses to ad hoc data requests.Foster partnerships with key agencies and stakeholders to support surveillance, reporting, and regulatory initiatives.About the TeamThe Food Science & Risk Assessment Directorate plays a specialised role in delivering science and risk assessment advice that underpins the development of robust food safety standards.

This advice supports both internal stakeholders across MPI and external partners, including industry, consumers, and research funders.

Science and risk assessment are critical inputs at every stage of decision-making and operational delivery.Following internationally recognised procedures, the Food Risk Assessment team provides expert advice on food-related risks and the likely impact of control measures.

These assessments inform risk managers across MPI, helping them identify and implement the most effective regulatory responses.Benefits of working at MPIAdditional MPI leave daysAnnual Wellness paymentBi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses / frames

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