Senior Scientist, Genomics at Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington - Upper Hutt

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Senior Scientist, Genomics

                            Role type: Permanent, full-time (40 hours per week)                    

Location: Wellington – Wallaceville, Upper Hutt

Salary band & range: GSR D $100,934 - $118,005 depending on skills and experience

 

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We are seeking a Senior Scientist with strong expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology, who is motivated by the opportunity to protect New Zealand's primary industries and help safeguard our unique native fauna. This role is based within the Genomics team at MPI's Animal Health Laboratory in Wallaceville, Upper Hutt.

 

As a Senior Scientist in the Genomics team, you will play a key role in advancing our capability in next generation sequencing (NGS). You will lead the development and implementation of infrastructure, processes, and tools that support the generation, analysis, and interpretation of NGS data. You will also provide training and mentorship to colleagues on sequencing laboratory procedures, data‑processing workflows, and bioinformatic analyses.

 

You will thrive in a dynamic environment where flexibility is essential to meet the evolving needs of MPI. Your work will contribute directly to New Zealand's biosecurity system, supporting high‑impact decision‑making and strengthening our diagnostic capability.

 

Key responsibilities include:

 

Enhancing MPI's genomics capability by:

• Implementing innovative concepts, tools, and techniques for analysing, integrating, and processing high‑throughput NGS data.
• Providing high‑quality analysis and interpretation of NGS datasets.
• Working proactively with colleagues and other stakeholders to maximise the value and impact of NGS technology in the field of animal health diagnostics.
• Publishing high‑quality, peer‑reviewed scientific, technical, and policy papers.
• Contributing data and insights to public databases and repositories.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders across MPI, New Zealand and internationally, including industry, Māori, government, and non‑government organisations.
• Staying up to date with emerging science, technologies, and innovations, and strengthening MPI's connections with key science and technology providers.

 

About You - Mōu

We are seeking an initiative-taking and highly motivated individual with a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant technical field and a high level of NGS understanding and experience. Experience in quality-assured animal health diagnostics will be an advantage.

 

In addition to the above qualifications, our ideal candidate will:

• Have significant experience with genomic diagnostic techniques (Sanger, Illumina, and Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms).
• Ability to train and mentor others in the wet-lab processes associated with sequencing.
• Ability to consult with key internal stakeholders regarding sequencing experiment design.
• Experience working in an IANZ-accredited diagnostic laboratory.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of laboratory biocontainment requirements and a working knowledge of relevant laboratory standards and regulations (e.g. ISO:17025, AS/NZS 2243.3, HSNO).
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clearly presented documentation.
• Be able to learn and adapt quickly to new challenges and enjoy working in a collaborative team environment.
• An understanding of global pathogens of interest from a genomics perspective, and the impacts they might have on New Zealand.

 

 

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Diagnostics, Readiness & Surveillance (DRS) directorate are the guardians of Aotearoa New Zealand's biosecurity. We run several targeted and passive biosecurity surveillance programmes at any one time, identifying new pests and diseases that make it past our borders, providing research and analysis on their impact, and supporting eradication where we can. Our laboratory programmes aren't just national - we also work with international partners to monitor biosecurity threats.

 

One of our greatest assets is our people. We've got a team of highly qualified, passionate science professionals who get to work on an extensive range of organisms and projects. The Genomics team is a highly motivated group with broad expertise spanning genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. Our team takes pride in delivering accurate and timely genomic results that help strengthen New Zealand's biosecurity system. We maintain a supportive and collegial environment where sharing knowledge and continuous improvement are part of our everyday work.

 

Then there's our facilities. Our design-award winning National Biocontainment Laboratory is one of the newest, most advanced biocontainment laboratories in the world. Opened in 2021, it's the most complex building in New Zealand. We diagnose, research, and help control animal diseases, including animal diseases that can affect people (zoonoses).

 

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu

Our role includes seizing export opportunities for our food and fibre sector, improving sector productivity, ensuring the food we produce is safe, increasing sustainable resource use, and protecting New Zealand from biological risk.

 

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

• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
• Additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Annual wellness payment

 

Low level Security Clearance

• Most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand 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, New Zealand, 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 New Zealand 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.

 

Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro

Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred candidates(s) for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.

 

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

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau 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 Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; 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 15th of April.

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