Senior Scientist

**Job Title**: Senior Scientist Bacteriology and Mycology

**Role type**: Permanent full-time

**Location**: Wallaceville, Upper Hutt

**Salary range**: $92,073 to $108,321 depending on skills and experience

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Scientist with expertise in bacteriology, molecular biology and/or pathology, who is passionate about protecting New Zealand's primary industries in addition to our native animals.
The role will focus on routine bacteriology testing and oversee testing of samples from production, companion and native animals in addition to investigations of exotic and emerging diseases.
In the 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. 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.

We work in a dynamic environment and work flexibility is needed to respond to the changing needs of Biosecurity New Zealand, 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 specialised laboratory/diagnostic test procedures to confirm diagnosis.
- Manage 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 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 (terrestrial role although desirable for both)
- Understanding of laboratory biocontainment guidelines
- An excellent scientific track record
- Effective communication skills
- The ability to learn quickly and enjoy working in a supportive team environment

Mō tō mātou Rōpū - About the Team

This position is based in the Bacteriology and Mycology team within Biosecurity New Zealand's National Animal Health Laboratory. Biosecurity NZ works closely with industries to maximise opportunities for export, improve sector productivity and sustainability of resources and to protect from biological risks.

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki - guardianship of our natural resources.

**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

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 NZ citizen, who has resided continuously in NZ 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, 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.

Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro - Drug and Alcohol Screening

Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? - Are you ready to make a difference?

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