Senior Technician - Enteric, Environmental & Food Virology (EEFV) Laboratory

Te tūnga | The role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Technician to join our Enteric, Environmental and Food Virology team within the Health Group, based at Kenepuru Science Centre, Porirua. Duties include processing environmental samples, such as wastewater and shellfish, viral nucleic acid extractions, PCR-based analysis (qPCR, ddPCR, conventional PCR) and preparing sequencing libraries for downstream applications (e.g., for metagenomics or amplicon sequencing). The role requires attention to detail, experience in at least molecular biology techniques, and understanding of laboratory safety and quality standards. This is an opportunity for you to work within a dynamic team and in a supportive and development focused laboratory environment.

Kia angitu koe | About you

This is a varied and challenging role for which you will have demonstrated experience and ability to work independently across a range of technical and complex laboratory tasks.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• An appropriate science qualification at a tertiary level

• At least 4 years relevant laboratory experience (e.g., molecular biology, virology)

• Registration with the New Zealand Medical Sciences Council preferred, but not essential.

• Understanding of Quality Management systems, including ISO 15189: 2022 and ISO 17025:2017 preferred

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Attention to detail with a quality focus.

• Demonstrate the ability to work independently

• A good understanding of safe laboratory practice

Ngā painga | The benefits

• Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments.

• Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional PHF Science days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve)

• 15 days sick leave and service leave provisions after five years

• Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community.

• Free annual flu vaccinations

• Life insurance and physical loss benefit

• Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts.

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service.

Mō mātou | About Us

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.

Tono mai | Apply Now

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 [email protected]

Applications close 12pm on 17 August 2026.

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 once advertising closes and 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.

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