Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist – Bacteriology and Mycology

Role type: Fixed-Term, Full Time Until June 2027

Location:  Wellington, Upper Hutt

General Salary Range D: $100,934 - $118,005 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We're looking for a Senior Scientist – Bacteriology and Mycology to join New Zealand's National Animal Health Laboratory at Wallaceville.

In this role, you will provide scientific leadership and day-to-day oversight of diagnostic testing to support trade, surveillance, and biosecurity response activities. You will ensure testing is technically sound, timely, and meets strict quality and accreditation standards, while working in high-containment laboratory environments.

You will play a key role in strengthening diagnostic capability by developing and improving methods, introducing new technologies, and building team capability through coaching and mentoring.

The Animal Health Laboratory located at Wallaceville, Upper Hutt is New Zealand's reference laboratory for exotic, new, and emerging terrestrial and aquatic animal diseases and contains both PC2 and PC3+ laboratory facilities.

About You – Mōu

We're seeking a Senior Scientist with strong experience in diagnostic microbiology, particularly in bacteriology, and ideally some knowledge of mycology.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a PhD or equivalent in a related scientific field
• Takes pride in delivering work that meets quality, safety, and accreditation standards
• Applies sound judgement and enjoys working through complex problems
• Communicates clearly and works well with a range of stakeholders
• Builds positive relationships and contributes to a supportive team environment
• Can plan and prioritise effectively in a dynamic setting
• Proven experience in diagnostic microbiology
• Solid laboratory expertise, including molecular and biochemical techniques
• An understanding of animal diseases and pathogens relevant to your field
• Experience contributing to scientific work, improving methods, and delivering high-quality outcomes

About the Team -

Mō tō mātou Rōpū

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.

About MPI - Mō Te Manatū Ahu Matua

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

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
• Access to free professional confidential counselling

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, here.

CONFIDENTIAL national security clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen, or hold a New Zealand residence‑class visa (including permanent residence).
• You must have a minimum five (5)‑year background history that can be verified and assessed by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine your suitability for a CONFIDENTIAL national security clearance.

Find out more about the national security vetting process here and access the eligibility self‑check tool here.

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

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 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 21st June

If you have any questions about the role, please email [email protected]

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