Adviser Operational Research | Wellington City

Job Description

Adviser Operational Research

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington

Salary range: General Salary Range F: $74,964 to $87,466 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

As Adviser Operational Research, you will be part of the Operational Research team in the Food Science and Risk Assessment Directorate, which is part of New Zealand Food Safety.

The Food Science and Risk Assessment Directorate supports the New Zealand food regulatory system by commissioning research and providing scientific and technical advice to ensure New Zealand's food is safe and suitable. Our work directly supports science that improves the daily lives of New Zealanders.

In this role, you will help lead data analysis for our Directorate's programme of work. But it's not just data focussed - you will help design, procure, and manage applied science projects that have immediate operational impact. You will develop and apply statistical methodologies to assess scientific data and support the delivery of evidence-based outcomes across a range of commissioned research initiatives in food safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the data analytics programme for the Food Science & Risk Assessment directorate, applying statistical expertise to enhance data-driven insights.
• Providing scientific input into the development, procurement, and management of commissioned research programmes with immediate operational applications.Providing guidance and technical support to MPI in the development and execution of research projects.
• Supporting the technical review and peer assessment of high-priority research programmes and projects.
• Monitoring and assessing the performance of research contracts, including technical reviews of milestone and deliverable reports.
• Advising on and supporting projects within the Operational Research Programme.
• Contributing to strategic science projects within New Zealand Food Safety.

About You – Mōu

This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who has a passion for data, statistics, and supporting research that delivers real-world impact. You will have a degree in science, statistics, data science, or a related field of study, and have a strong understanding and interest in applied statistics, data analysis, and research.

Through your study or career experience, you will have been involved in the design, execution, and delivery of research projects, with an emphasis on data analysis and interpretation.

You will have the ability to critically evaluate and provide technical reviews of scientific material, and be able to gather, analyse, and present scientific data for both technical and non-technical audiences.

More specifically, your experience and understanding will include:

• Strong skills in data analysis, particularly applied statistics and statistical modelling.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality written advice and verbal briefings that are clear, concise, and impactful.
• Ability to build and maintain effective networks and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to provide intellectual leadership and contribute to problem-solving in scientific research.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Word, Excel, databases, and scientific data analysis software (E.g. R).
• Exposure to science contracts, including negotiation and oversight of deliverables (desirable).
• Established science networks relevant to food safety, biosecurity, or animal welfare, and experience or knowledge in food safety, biosecurity, or animal welfare systems (all desirable).

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Operational Research team sits within the Food Science and Risk Assessment Directorate of New Zealand Food Safety. We are a small, friendly, and collegial team that supports the development and commissioning of scientific research across food safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare. Our work underpins real-world regulatory decisions and has a direct impact on the wellbeing of people, animals, and the environment in New Zealand.

This is a rare opportunity to be involved not just in analysing scientific information, but also in shaping, procuring, and managing research projects. The role offers a unique combination of technical science work and the opportunity to influence how applied research is developed and delivered. Our portfolio is broad and varied - each project is different, offering you the chance to apply your skills across a wide range of operational and strategic science initiatives.

At its core, our work has real purpose and meaning. We play an important role in ensuring that science supports better outcomes for New Zealanders by strengthening the systems that keep our food safe, supports animal welfare, protects biosecurity, and enables the smooth operation of export and trade systems. If you are passionate about scientific integrity, evidence-based decision-making, and working in a collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

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.

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

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

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

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” 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 11:15pm on Wednesday, 14 May.

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

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