Senior Technician Lumi

Te tūnga | The role

Join our team at PHF Science and help shape the future of forensic drug analysis.

We are looking for a Senior Technician to provide specialist chemistry and forensic science expertise for our Lumi Drug Scan service. This role is ideal for someone with strong technical skills, a passion for science, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic laboratory environment.

You would join our dedicated team at our Mount Albert Science Centre, where your technical skills and attention to detail will support our team. This full time (40 hours) fixed term role is in our internationally renowned Lumi team. Please refer to our website for more information on this award-winning product.

Key Responsibilities are:

• Perform laboratory-based analysis of suspected drug samples and pharmaceuticals using advanced instrumentation (NIR, FTIR, GC, GCMS, HPLC).

• Generate and interpret data, prepare reports, and collaborate with researchers and subject matter experts.

• Maintain laboratory equipment, manage consumables

• Ensure compliance with quality standards and active participation in H&S processes

• Contribute to innovations in sample handling and laboratory workflows.

• Train end users and support less experienced staff.

• Contribute to documentation standards and a quality culture

• Continuously improve our outputs through research and knowledge

• Engage with internal teams and external partners to deliver exceptional service.

• Ensuring compliance with ISO 17025, ANAB accreditation, and IANZ authorisation standards.

Kia angitu koe | About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• BA or BSc in Chemistry or a related field (or equivalent).

• Forensic degree e.g. PG Dip, MSc is preferred

Experience:

• Secure handling of controlled samples

• Preparation and management of reagents for chemical analysis.

• Following laboratory protocols and preparing reports.

• Using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

• Experience with analytical instrumentation (NIR, FTIR, GC, GCMS, HPLC) is desirable.

Skills:

• Knowledge of safe laboratory practices and chemical hazards.

• Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and computer literacy.

• Understanding of forensic science principles is advantageous.

Other Requirements:

• Maybe required to complete a colour blindness test.

• Meet PHF Science vaccination requirements.

Ngā painga | The benefits

• Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments.

• Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional PHF Science days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year's Eve)

• 15 days sick leave and service leave provisions after five years

• Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community.

• Free annual flu vaccinations

• Life insurance and physical loss benefit

• Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts.

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service.

• Starting salary for this role is NZ $78,126. Experienced Senior Technicians can earn up to NZ $84,461.

Mō mātou | About Us

Established in 2025, formerly ESR, PHF Science is a New Zealand Government-owned research organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities. Specialising in public health and forensic sciences, we monitor disease, help ensure safe food and water, reduce harm from drugs, support the justice system and more. Our science powers innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow.

With 4 locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), we use world-leading science to monitor disease, test food, and products, safeguard our water, and support the justice sector. By joining forces with experts and iwi, we're tackling critical issues to ensure a better Aotearoa New Zealand for all.

We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible, and ever evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification.

Tono mai | Apply Now

We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori.

Applications close 8am on 25 December 2025

Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity. We will be back in touch as applications have been reviewed.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

At PHF Science, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people is our highest priority. Depending on the role and exposure risks, mandatory vaccinations may include Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningococcal, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, and Polio. In some roles you may need to confirm your vaccination status in accordance with health and safety advice before you commence employment. Participation in PHF Science's vaccination programme is a condition of employment for new staff. We choose to share this information early in our hiring process so candidates can make an informed choice and are happy to discuss further at interview stage if you have any questions.

PHF Science is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.

If you don't meet every requirement in this position description, please don't exclude yourself. Studies indicate that women and other individuals from under-represented groups often only apply when they satisfy all the criteria. We focus on recruiting individuals who share our core values of Mahi Rangatira (Our quality counts), Mahi tahi (our team spirit), Mahi Auaha (we push boundaries), Mahi Pono (we do the right thing). If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to submit your application.

PHF Science 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.

Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment.