Senior Scientist

 

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role

We are looking for a permanent full time Senior Scientist with expertise in aquatic animal diseases and diagnostics bacteriology, molecular biology and/or pathology, who is passionate about protecting New Zealand's primary industries in addition to its native animals. This position is based in the Bacteriology and Aquatic Animal Diseases team within New Zealand's National Animal Health Laboratory based at Wallaceville, Upper Hutt.

The focus of this role is routine aquatic diseases diagnostics with day to day testing in addition to supporting investigations of exotic and emerging diseases in aquatic animals. In addition, where required there will be overlap with terrestrial animal diagnostics.

A key function of this role is to provide professional clinical diagnostic, intellectual and technical advisory services for exotic and endemic diseases for the purposes of health certification, surveillance, investigation and response, as well as trade facilitation for aquatic animal diseases. The MPI works closely with industries to maximise opportunities for export, improve sector productivity and sustainability of resources and to protect from biological risks. You will be an integral part of the team, contributing to the development, validation and conduct of diagnostic tests for a wide range of animal diseases. Implementing new technologies, training and mentoring laboratory staff, participating in biosecurity investigations & collaborating with scientists both nationally and internationally.

This role works in a dynamic environment and work flexibility is needed to respond to the changing needs of the MPI, performing tasks as reasonably required. This position represents an opportunity to contribute to New Zealand's biosecurity and to develop and enhance your scientific skills and expertise.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee detailed diagnostic investigations, including clinical molecular and classical bacteriology.
• Liaise with MPI Incursion Investigators to obtain case histories and develop differential lists of pathogens.
• Determine appropriate routine and specialised laboratory/diagnostic test procedures to confirm diagnosis.
• Manages the troubleshooting, development, optimisation and validation of diagnostic methods.
• Provide scientific leadership including training and mentoring of laboratory staff in animal diseases.
• Participate in operational research projects designed to improve laboratory testing capability, to survey for animal diseases, and to understand pathogenesis and native species susceptibility.
• Provide expert scientific advice to stakeholders and build collaborative relationships.
• Maintain currency of knowledge in diagnostics and relevant scientific technology.
• Working knowledge of and comply with laboratory standards and regulations (e.g.ISO:17025, AS/NZS 2243.3, animal ethics, HSNO, containment facilities etc).

 

 Mōu - About You

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with an applicable PhD in biological sciences, degree in veterinary science or other applicable discipline. Experience in quality-assured animal health diagnostics and aquatic animal pathology will be an advantage.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Experience with Aquatic Animal Diseases and clinical diagnostics
• Experience with molecular diagnostic techniques
• Experience with classical bacteriology
• Understanding of laboratory biocontainment guidelines
• An excellent scientific track record, with publications.
• Be an effective communicator
• The ability to learn quickly and enjoy working in a supportive team environment.

 

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries is helping to seize export opportunities for our primary industries, improve sector productivity, ensure the food we produce is safe, increase sustainable resource use, and protect New Zealand from biological risk.

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here

 

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua: - Benefits of working at MPI

• Up to three additional (MPI holidays) leave days
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation
• Wellness benefit for employees
• Comprehensive one-week MPI Induction Programme
• Parental leave ex-gratia payment
• Bi-annual MPI-paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames

The salary for this role is broad banded circa $92,073 to $124,570 depending on skills and experience.

 See the benefits of working at MPI

 

Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru - Security checks

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen/resident, who has resided continuously in NZ for at least the last five (5) years.
• 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.
• click here to 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 will not be able to accept your application.

 

Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro - Drug and Alcohol Screening

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 under the application process, on pre-employment checks page.

To join a diverse and interesting organisation that offers a wide range of career opportunities click on our link below!

 

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

To apply for this role 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. In your application please indicate which role you are applying for, Terrestrial Senior Scientist or Aquatic Senior Scientist.

The closing date is Thursday November 4, 2021.

 

The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you'll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you're growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.

 

Please confirm closing dates at original source link and ensure you take note of appropriate time zones for position closing times.  Please note, Veterinarycareers.com.au takes no responsibility for closing dates or removal of job positions advertised.

For next steps in application please register below.