Senior Technician

Senior Technician, Pharmaceutical Programme – One Year, Full-Time (40 Hours/Week) 

Te tūnga | The role 

We are seeking a skilled Senior Technician for a one-year, fixed term full time position based at the Kenepuru Science Centre in Pōneke, Wellington. You'll play a key part in supporting the Pharmaceutical Programme and Forensic Specialised Analytical Services (F-SAS) unit. 

This Senior Technician position involves performing complex technical tasks across chemical, microbiological, and physical analysis of pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like samples using a variety of analytical platforms. You'll contribute to the development of new methodologies, maintain high-quality standards, and ensure accurate and timely delivery of laboratory services. 

In addition to laboratory work, you will contribute to a range of supporting tasks including: 

• Conduct routine and advanced analysis of pharmaceutical samples, including extraction, processing, screening, confirmation, and quantitation of pharmaceutical samples to a specified standard. 

• Administrative duties  

• Assist in developing new analytical methods and stay current with scientific advancements. 

• Participate in quality assurance activities, including calibration, proficiency trials, and compliance with IANZ and GMP standards.  

• Provide factual evidence in court when required. 

Kia angitu koe | About you  

To be successful in this role, you will have the following: 

• Relevant tertiary qualification in science (preferably chemistry) and/or experience in pharmaceutical or analytical testing.  

• Minimum 2 years in a laboratory environment. 

• Competence in pharmaceutical analysis and instrumentation (HPLC, GC, LCMS). 

• Experience in a GMP environment. 

• Relevant experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

• Proficiency in MS Office and laboratory software (e.g., MS Office, Chromeleon, LabSolutions). 

• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and quality assurance principles

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team

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. 

• Salary starts at gross $78,126 and with multiple years of experience can be up to $85,461/annum

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. 

PHF Science's Pharmaceutical Programme provides independent analytical services to clients from a range of sectors including local manufacturers and importers, biotechnology companies, and government clients. We perform chemical, physical, and microbiological testing of medicines, cosmetics, natural health and other pharmaceutical-like products, and we provide a secure, dedicated Stability Facility for product stability storage and testing of expiration dates. We are the primary provider of therapeutic product testing for the Ministry of Health (Medsafe) as part of its role in the continuous monitoring of the safety of medicines on the New Zealand market. 

PHF Science's Pharmaceutical Programme is certified by the Ministry of Health (Medsafe) in compliance with the New Zealand Code of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)  and the international Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), and operates laboratories accredited by International Accreditation New Zealand to ISO/IEC

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. 

PHF Science is an Accredited Employer, able to obtain the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). 

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. 

If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with  

Applications close 8am on Wednesday 21 January 2026 

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 once advertising closes and 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, ID verification, and police records check as well as a colour-blindness/eye appearance test  as conditions of employment. 

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