Job DescriptionSenior TechnicianRole type: Permanent full-timeLocation: Wellington, Upper HuttGeneral Salary Range: G $67,658 - $89,957 depending on skills and experienceAbout the Role - Kōrero mō te TūrangaWe're seeking a Senior Technician with expertise in Bacteriology and Mycology at New Zealand's National Animal Health Laboratory.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 scientific expertise.About You - MōuWe are seeking a highly motivated individual with hands-on technical experience in bacterial culture. Our ideal candidate will have the following:
BSc or postgraduate qualification in a related scientific field
Expertise in molecular techniques especially PCR and real time PCR
Experience working in microbiological laboratories
Strong planning, coordination, organising, and teamwork/leadership capabilities
Familiarity with quality assurance systems
Knowledge of relevant standards and regulations (e.g., ISO:17025, AS/NZS 2243.3, animal ethics, HSNO)
Excellent written communication: ability to produce clearly presented documentation
You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.About the Team - Mō tō mātou RōpūThis 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.About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu MatuaThe Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua
Additional MPI leave days
Ability to purchase extra annual leave
Annual Wellness payment
Security checks - Ngā Taki WhakahaumaruLow level Security Clearance
most preferably a NZ citizen, who has resided continuously in NZ 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, NZ, the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
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to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibilityIf you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te WaipiroPlease 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, .Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? - 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, 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 . To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.Applications close at midnight on Monday 15th September 2025If you have any questions about the role, please email Guy.Kershaw@mpi.govt.nz
