Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Scientist with expertise in classical 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 Mycology team within New Zealand's National Animal Health Laboratory.

The senior scientist role will have a focus on routine bacteriology testing and oversee testing of samples from production, companion and native animal's in addition to investigations of exotic and emerging diseases. This role will provide high quality scientific advice on biosecurity diagnostics and readiness, investigation and response for terrestrial animal diseases.

In this role you will provide professional 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. 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.

The successful candidate will work in a dynamic environment where work flexibility is required to respond to the changing needs of the MPI, performing tasks as reasonably required. This role 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 molecular and classical bacteriology.
• Liaise with MPI Incursion Investigators to obtain case histories and develop differential lists of pathogens. Determine appropriate routine and specialized laboratory/diagnostic test procedures to confirm diagnosis.
• Manages the troubleshooting, development, optimization 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 or post-graduate degree in veterinary science. Experience in quality-assured animal health diagnostics will be an advantage.

Our ideal candidate will have

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

Mō tō mātou Rōpū - About the Team

Our Diagnostic and Surveillance Services (DSS) directorate are the guardians of Aotearoa New Zealand's biosecurity. We run a number of targeted and passive biosecurity surveillance programmes at any one time, identifying new pests and diseases that make it past our borders, providing research and analysis on their impact, and supporting eradication where we can. Our surveillance programmes aren't just national – we also work with international partners to monitor biosecurity threats.

One of our greatest assets is our people. We've got a team of highly qualified, passionate science professionals who get to work on projects they're interested in. With employees from over 20 different countries, DSS is one of the most diverse, welcoming spaces in MPI.

Then there's our facilities. We've got the highest post-entry quarantine level plant facility in NZ. Our design-award winning Wallaceville biocontainment laboratory is one of the newest, most advanced biocontainment labs in the world. Opened in 2021, it's the most complex building in New Zealand. All our labs are reference labs, so our team works on complex cases, not standard diagnostic lab activities. We have the best, highest qualified people - critical thinkers solving dynamic problems.

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

Our role includes seizing export opportunities for our food and fibre sector, improving sector productivity, ensuring the food we produce is safe, increasing sustainable resource use, and protecting New Zealand from biological risk.

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

• Up to three additional (MPI holidays) leave days
• Work amongst some of the best scientific minds in the country
• Work from one of the most technologically advanced biocontainment laboratories in the world

Wā Mahi Ngāwari - Flexible Working

We support flexible working arrangements and are happy to discuss these options with you.

Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru - Security checks

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand 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, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand 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, here.

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, whānau 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 Ministry for Primary Industries 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 Wednesday 28 June 2023.

If you have any questions about the role, please email george.petherick@mpi.govt.nz

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