Senior Technician

Te tūnga | The role

Are you an experienced laboratory technician with a passion for forensic science and analytical precision? We're looking for an experienced Senior Technician to join our Bioanalytical team, supporting critical services across toxicology, alcohol analysis, and workplace drug testing. You would join our dedicated team at our Kenepuru Science Centre (Porirua), where your technical skills and attention to detail will support our team while another team member is on parental leave. This full time (40 hours) one year fixed term role is part of our Forensic Specialist Analysis team.

Key Responsibilities are:

• Performing complex testing and research under the supervision of senior scientific staff.

• Support daily lab operations including:

• Preparation of solutions and reagents

• Inventory management of consumables
• General lab upkeep and equipment calibration

• Monthly mix tests and linearity checks

• Provide technical assistance in the extraction, processing, screening, confirmation, and quantitation of drugs and poisons in WDT and forensic toxicology cases.

• Conduct prompt analysis of biological and non-biological fluids for alcohol and volatile compounds.
• Analyse blood samples under the Land Transport Act 1998 for alcohol content
• Using, maintaining and calibrating laboratory instruments (FTIR, GC, GCMS, HPLC).
• Assist in the development and documentation of new analytical methodologies, with potential for publication in scientific journals.
• Stay current with relevant scientific literature and advancements.
• Provide factual evidence in court when required.
• Participate in team rosters and undertake specific team roles as agreed.
• Using our laboratory information system to manage laboratory data and workflows.
• Preparing non-opinion-based reports and certificates for court presentation.
• Ensuring compliance with ANAB accreditation and IANZ authorisation standards.

Kia angitu koe | About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in science (BSc or higher) with a strong emphasis on chemistry is essential.
• Postgraduate qualifications such as a PGDip or MSc in Forensic Science are highly desirable.

Essential Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of safe laboratory practices and biological/chemical hazards.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation including at least one of:

• Familiarity with automated chemistry analysers.
• Method development and validation in an accredited lab environment.
• Proficiency in multiple extraction techniques:
• Liquid/Liquid, protein precipitation, SLE, QuEChERS, SPE
• Experience with immunoassay techniques.
• Computer literacy in MS Office Suite; STARLIMS experience preferred.
• Ability to perform chemical calculations for reagent preparation.
• Advanced equipment maintenance skills.
• Basic understanding of Quality Assurance principles.

Desirable Competencies:

• Prior experience in a forensic or commercial laboratory.
• Strong customer service track record.
• Participation in scientific projects or presentations.

• Must be able to participate in the PHF Science immunisation programme.
• Physically capable of working in a chemistry lab (standing, lifting,).
• Must be able to work a 2-week roster in WDT.

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 Wednesday 29 October 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.