About

• Te tūnga | The role We are seeking a skilled Scientist for a one-year fixed-term, full-time position based at our forensic laboratories at the Kenepuru Science Centre in Pōneke, Wellington. This role involves conducting chemical and physical analyses of pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like samples, drawing on your expertise in method development and validation. Experience in or understanding of microbiological analyses is beneficial but not essential to this role. In addition to laboratory work, you will contribute to a range of supporting tasks including: Administrative duties Quality assurance activities Technical support for day-to-day operations You’ll be part of an 8-member team within the Forensic Specialised Analytical Services Group, which comprises over 40 professionals. This team delivers critical services to the Ministry of Health and other clients. Given the bespoke nature of our work, we’re looking for flexible individuals who excel in one-off project work, demonstrate strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, and can work efficiently across a range of simultaneous tasks. Kia angitu koe | About you To be successful in this role, you will have the following: Undergraduate degree or qualification in chemistry / biochemistry / pharmacology / toxicology or related discipline; or appropriate qualification coupled with extensive postgraduate sector experience. 5+years relevant pharmaceutical laboratory experience Competent in the analysis and characterisation and testing of pharmaceutical compounds or similar analysis, including the use of HPLC and/or GC and/or LCMS instrumentation. Relevant experience in a GMP environment Relevant experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory Able to research and review relevant scientific literature Excellent written and oral communication skills Computer skills required e.g. MS Office, Chromeleon, LabSolutions Attention to detail is essential Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. Awareness of Te Tiriti obligations Able to work as a member of a team, supportive of other team members and focussed on achieving team objectives 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 $89,387 and with multiple years of experience can be up to $96,634/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 17025. 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 recruitment@phfscience.nz 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 provide a declaration about colour-blindness, as conditions of employment. Applications Close: 21 January 2026 We are New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute specialising in science for communities. We use world-leading science to safeguard our health, keep our communities safer, protect our food-based economy, and improve the health of our water and natural environment. Keeping people safe and healthy through science is our focus and our staff bring a wealth of different experience and backgrounds to deliver this expertise. If you have the skills, initiative and commitment for protecting people through science, we’d like to hear from you. Find out more: PHF Science - Careers PHF Science - Website PHF Science - LinkedIn