Senior Technician

Job description

Te tunga | The role
Are you an experienced technician with a passion for forensic science and analytical chemistry?
We're looking for an experienced Forensic Senior Technician to join our dedicated team at our Mount Albert Science Centre (Tamaki Makaurau), where your technical skills and attention to detail will support critical forensic investigations and public safety.
This full time (40 hours) permanent role provides an opportunity to use your technical experience in a variety of settings, such as the field, our laboratory and at a client location.
Key Responsibilities
Performing complex testing and research under the supervision of senior scientific staff.
Using our laboratory information system to manage laboratory data and workflows.
Using, maintaining and calibrating laboratory instruments (FTIR, GC, GCMS, HPLC, LCMSMS).
Preparing non-opinion-based reports and certificates for court presentation.
Conducting forensic examinations.
Ensuring compliance with ANAB accreditation and IANZ authorisation standards.
Participating in scene callouts and clandestine lab investigations as part of a roster.
Supervising and training students and laboratory assistants.
Peer reviewing colleagues' work to uphold quality and accuracy.
Supporting research projects and student supervision.
Coordinating calibration responses and contributing to quality assurance trials.
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
Sound understanding of safe laboratory practices and awareness of biological and chemical hazards.
Hands-on experience with analytical instruments, including at least one of the following: FTIR, GC, GCMS, LCMSMS or HPLC.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; experience with STARLIMS or similar laboratory information systems is preferred.
A current full New Zealand driver's licence.
Desirable Technical Competencies
Previous experience in a forensic or commercial laboratory setting.
Demonstrated ability to engage professionally with clients or stakeholders.
Participation in scientific projects, research, or presentations.
Physical and Medical Requirements
Must be able to participate in PHF Science's immunisation programme.
Will be required to undergo medical monitoring.
Must be physically capable of working in a laboratory environment, including standing for extended periods, lifting equipment, and working without colour vision limitations.
Must be able to perform duties at various sites across New Zealand, which may involve physical activities such as standing, squatting, and lifting for up to 10 hours.
Must be able to work a 3-week roster.
Nga 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.
Mo matou | About Us
Established in ****, 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 Toitu Carbonreduce Certification.
Apply Now
We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Maori, and/or te reo Maori.
Applications close 8am on Wednesday 29 October ****
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 as well as the provision of a staff elimination DNA sample.
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