Research Technician

**Research Technician**
- We are looking for an enthusiastic team member who is an experienced laboratory technician, skilled in a variety of molecular biology techniques, to join our Biocontrol and Molecular Ecology team._

**Mō te Pakihi | About the Company**:
Manaaki Whenua is New Zealand's Crown Research Institute (CRI) for our land and environment. We are responsible for supporting New Zealand to develop a sustainable relationship with our land, through the delivery of exceptional science across a wide range of disciplines.

**Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role** The purpose of this role is to provide technical assistance to support both MBIE-funded and commercial projects in support of Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research's core purpose of driving innovation in the management of terrestrial biodiversity and land resources.

This role sits within our Biocontrol and Molecular Ecology Team and supports a wide range of projects through their technical expertise. This role includes working within a laboratory that is an MPI-approved Containment/Transitional Facility and molecular biology laboratory. Technical work includes the performance and/or development of conventional molecular techniques, including PCR, qPCR, Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis, in support of a range of different research programmes. This technical work will also include contributing to research and development projects using non-conventional methods such as Next-Generation Sequencing. This role also includes work as a key technician for DNA-based services through our business unit EcoGene®, which includes species identification, genotyping, and providing expert witness statements and testimony (where required). This role will include supporting laboratory users and students with training, supervision and general project assistance.

**This position is** open term, full time (37.5 hours per week), reports to the Molecular Ecology Capability Leader and is based at our Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland site.

**Ō pūmanawa | About you** You will possess a post-graduate degree, with at least 5 years laboratory experience, or a Bachelor's degree with extensive experience, in molecular ecology/molecular biology (or a closely related field). Your skill set will include a sound grounding in standard molecular laboratory techniques and data generation, such as DNA barcoding and genotyping, and proficiency in a wide range of commonly deployed methods used in molecular biology. You will be highly organised, exhibiting attention to detail and with excellent record keeping skills, and work well both independently and as part of a team.

**Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer** As an employee of Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, you will work with passionate and talented people and enjoy supportive employee benefits such as an annual leave entitlement of 4 weeks and 4 days, generous sick leave, paid parental leave, 3 paid Manaaki Whenua days between Christmas and New Year, as well as income maintenance and life insurance benefits and flexible working options. You will also have the opportunity for personal growth and career development.

Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research 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.

**Applications close on Wednesday the 11th December at 5pm NZT. Please note that final shortlisting and interviews will not begin until the New Year (January 2025).**

Job Details
- Crown research institute
Manaaki Whenua- Reference #
57146- Posted on
20 Nov 2024- Closes on
11 Dec 2024 17:00- Location(s)
Auckland- Expertise
Cell Biology, Plant Biology, Plant Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology & Genetics- Job level(s)
Technician, Experienced- Work type(s)
Permanent- More details (document)
POSITION-DESCRIPTION Ecol. genetics lab technician Nov 2024.pdf