Team Manager Diagnostic Readiness and innovation | Auckland Landcare Research

Job Description

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Permanent - Full Time

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role

We have a vacancy for a highly talented and experienced Manager to lead a team of scientists. In this role you will work closely with the other laboratory managers in Assurance, Biosafety & Containment; Bacteriology & Botany; Entomology; Mycology & Nematology; Post-Entry Quarantine; and Virology & Phytoplasmology.

The scope of the work includes providing leadership in developing effective and efficient operational delivery of new diagnostic capability to support trade, investigation and response testing for suspected exotic, new or emerging pests and diseases affecting plants and the environment. Diagnostic testing at the PHEL involves work with high risk and exotic organisms carried out in containment (PC1- PC3) laboratories, and Level 3B plant quarantine greenhouses and level 3 tissue culture facility. You will also be expected to contribute to the laboratory's strategic objectives and projects.

The salary range for the role is C: $109,626 - $148,138 depending on skills, capabilities, and experience.

Mōu - About You

You will be an approachable leader who can quickly establish rapport with your team. You will also be a member of a dynamic leadership team that takes pride in its people and the results they deliver together.

You will provide support and input on work across the branch and/or other parts of MPI and externally and work closely within and beyond MPI with opportunities to work nationally and internationally with other scientific organizations. You will be working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry representatives, and sometimes in pressure situations, meaning your communication and negotiation skills will be second to none.

The ideal candidate would have:

• Minimum of a post-graduate university qualification (preferably a PhD) in biological science.
• A strong knowledge of plant health diagnosis and molecular biology is essential.
• A good knowledge of high through-put sequencing technologies and/or mass spectrometry is desirable
• Proven experience of managing and developing highly-qualified scientific staff and in leading a high performing team.
• A strong knowledge and experience on identifying innovative research projects related to plant health diagnostics and actively looking for and progressing new funding opportunities.
• Expert technical knowledge and broad experience of managing operational delivery of innovative diagnostic readiness tools involved in the diagnosis of pests affecting plants and the environment.
• Proven experience in developing and leading laboratory programmes and project.
• Proven leadership skills
• Excellent communication and written skills
• Experience of budget management

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

Our vision is New Zealand will be the world's most sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products. We aim to do this by having our primary sector thriving in a way that benefits all New Zealanders, increases sustainable resource use, and protects New Zealand from biological risk.

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here

Mō tō mātou rōpū - About the Team

The Plant Health & Environment Laboratory is part of MPl's Diagnostic and Surveillance Services directorate (DSS). PHEL is the national reference laboratory for the identification of all suspected exotic, new and emerging pests and diseases, and arthropod pests affecting plants, the environment and human health. PHEL also provide diagnostic services to New Zealand's primary industries to facilitate trade. The laboratory is accredited to IS017025 and the use of a quality assurance system is an integral part of our operations. These activities enable the management of risks associated with traded plants and plant products and maximise the opportunities to respond to biosecurity risks in New Zealand.

Ahurea - Culture

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. We are fair in our behaviour and our policies promote equal opportunity for all. We provide numerous training programmes and opportunities for people to continuously improve their skill sets and keep up to date with global best practices. MPI has a focus on career pathways so this is the first step in your career with us and we will help you grow.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

To apply for this role 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.

For further technical information about the position including remuneration, contact Lalith Kumarasinghe at Lalith.Kumarasinghe@mpi.govt.nz

The closing date is Sunday 3 July 2022.

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.