About

Te tūnga | The role We have a permanent opportunity for a Senior Technician to join the fast-paced Genomics & Bioinformatics group at our Kenepuru Science Centre in Porirua. In this role you will be involved in routine service delivery in our Sequencing Facility Laboratory and support research activities in the wider Genomics & Bioinformatics group. This includes: All laboratory aspects of extracting nucleic acids, preparing samples for sequencing, and generating genomic data. Conducting laboratory tests, preparing laboratory test reports, and maintaining laboratory record systems. General laboratory duties in the Sequencing Facility and the wider Genomics team as required. Contributing to the development and establishment of new work including new methods and research projects. Kia angitu koe | About you To be successful in this role you will have: An appropriate science qualification at the tertiary level. Registration or eligibility for professional registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand (MSC). Experience in and knowledge of molecular biology. This includes aseptic techniques, nucleic acid extraction and quantitation, high-throughput PCR, and Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies. Competency in the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of technical data. Knowledge of PC2 laboratory safety practices, biological and chemical hazards. Competency in the use of computers, including databases. Initiative, flexibility, and a willingness to support the wider team. A methodical approach to work, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively, ability to meet deadlines and provide excellent service. Strong written and verbal communication skills to liaise with our internal and external clients. 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 & 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. 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. If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with recruitment@phfscience.nz Applications close at 8.00pm, 19 January 2026. Interviews will take place in early February. 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 and police records check as conditions of employment. Applications Close: 19 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