Senior Scientist

**Role type**: 12-Month Fixed Term, Full-Time

**Location**: Wallaceville, Upper Hutt

**Salary range**: $96,073 to $128,570 depending on skills and experience

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.

**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.
- 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 bes