Senior Scientist STRmix at Institute of Environmental Science & Research Limited, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Te tūnga | The role

The STRmix' team creates world leading, award winning software that allows forensic biologists to analyse, interpret and investigate DNA profiles more efficiently and effectively.'Our mission is to empower the forensic community through science and innovation. We do this through leading edge scientific research, high quality software development and comprehensive training and support delivery.' Our flagship software, STRmix', has been developed by ESR in partnership with Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA). Adding FaSTR' DNA and DBLR' to STRmix', we provide an end-to-end analysis and interpretation solution.

We have a permanent fulltime (minimum of 37.5 - 40 hours per week) opportunity for a Senior Scientist to join the STRmix' team, contributing to a wide variety of scientific and commercial activities supporting STRmix' and related software. These include the provision of scientific support to assist user validation and implementation, the delivery of user training and contribution to product development.

In this role, you will be involved in the following:

• Provision of scientific support to customers including:
• Assistance with internal validation of Software for customers.
• Assistance with the preparation of customer reports detailing Software parameters and validation.
• Resolution of customer issues (using Software).
• Preparation of training materials (traditional and online) for, and delivery of STRmix' and other related software training workshops to customers (virtual or onsite, USA/UK/Europe, ROW) as required.
• Contribution to STRmix' and related software product development, developmental validation and user materials.
• Representation on exhibition booths at conferences and trade shows (onsite or virtual) as required.
• Representation of STRmix' as an expert witness (USA/UK/Europe/ROW) or technical / admin review, as required.

This role will be based at our Mount Albert Science Centre in Auckland.

Kia angitu koe | About you

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A BA or BSc, its equivalent or higher with coursework papers in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and/or Genetics to the required auditable standard (candidate transcripts will be assessed).
• University/College coursework or training in statistics and/or population genetics.
• Casework or validation experience with:
  • STRmix' and DNA analysis software use
  • Forensic DNA profile analysis
• Proven ability to teach complex concepts to audiences of varying abilities.
• Demonstrated and comprehensive:
  • Data analysis skills e.g. CE data analysis software, MS Excel, R etc
  • Oral presentation skills
• Comprehensive understanding of:
  • Probabilistic genotyping software.
  • Likelihood ratios.
  • Forensic validation and accreditation requirements.
• Willingness to travel for work (US, UK, Europe and rest of world (ROW) as required).

Ngā painga | The benefits

ESR provide an excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible and ever evolving landscape. We are leaders in our field and our laboratory facilities are second to none.

We offer diverse benefits including flexible working options that support everyone's lifestyle in balance with their work commitments. Our people gain value from other benefits such as job-related learning and development opportunities, access to employee health schemes, social events, and wellbeing initiatives. If you are from overseas and would like to learn more about living and working in New Zealand, please see here: https://www.live-work.immigration.govt.nz/

The indicative salary range is from $100,818 - $119,891, with additional benefits and international relocation assistance as applicable.

Tono mai | Apply Now

If you have any questions about the role or would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with Dorothy.Roy@esr.cri.nz.

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 are looking for a chance to meaningfully contribute to the wellbeing of New Zealanders, please apply now. Applications close at 12:00am Monday 02 October 2023.

ESR is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces flexibility, diversity, and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen, a Ministry of Justice and/or police vetting report of criminal charges/convictions, proof of academic qualifications/coursework, and the provision of a staff elimination DNA sample and participation in ESR's immunisation programme, in order to satisfy the conditions of employment for this position. Overseas candidates may be required to satisfy Immigration NZ requirements.