Principal Adviser Microbiology at Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington City

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Job Title:

Principal Adviser - Microbiology

Food Risk Assessment

Role type: Permanent full-time

Location: Wellington

Salary range: $109,626 to $148,318 depending on skills and experience

 

Kōrero mō te Tūranga - About the Role

We are searching for an experienced and enthusiastic Principal Adviser Microbiology who will play a key role in answering the important microbiological questions currently facing the primary industries and food safety. You will provide advice that relates to possible human health effects from pathogens (microbiological, viral, parasitic) found in food, water, and the environment.

 

The role requires management of short and long-term research projects and the ability to put this into relevant context as it relates to food safety and human health. It requires important relationship building across the NZFS business units. Externally, our relationships are with all New Zealand major research providers, international regulatory bodies or similar, as well as primary industries stakeholders.

 

Mōu - About You

The successful candidate will have:

• Postgraduate degree in microbiology is essential.
• Postgraduate degree in food science or public health is highly desirable.
• Technical knowledge of New Zealand's Food Safety system.
• Up-to-date knowledge in food microbiology (safety and suitability), with a recognised track record in its successful application in food-based science.
• Strong knowledge of international and national trends in food related microbiology.
• Experience in risk profiling, and qualitative and quantitative risk assessment.
• Experience in design and management of scientific trials.

 

 

Mō tō mātou Rōpū - About the Team

The Food Science & Risk Assessment Directorate has a specialised role in providing a wide range of general science and risk assessment advice to internal (MPI) and external stakeholders (including industry, consumers, and funders of scientific research) that is essential to robust development of food safety standards. Science and/or risk assessment is a key input at all decision and operational steps.

 

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products.

 

Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua - Benefits of working at MPI

• Up to three additional leave days
• Wellness benefit for employees
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation

 

Wā Mahi Ngāwari - Flexible Working

We support flexible working arrangements and are happy to discuss these options with you.

 

Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru - Security checks

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen, who has resided continuously in NZ for at least the last five (5) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
• click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

 

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

 

Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? - Are you ready to make a difference?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whanau and hāpori.

 

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, your whakapapa; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at midnight on Tuesday, 14 February 2023

If you have any questions about the role, please email Kirsty.Rogers@mpi.govt.nz 

Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i konei – Follow MPI here

Links to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, Twitter

 

The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you'll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you're growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.