Specialist Adviser - Microbial Risk & Epidemiology | Wellington City

Job Description

Specialist Adviser (Microbial Risk & Epidemiology)

Role type: Permanent, Full Time

Location: Wellington City

Salary band & range: General Salary Range C: $119,376 to $139,700 depending on skills and experience

Perched at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand, Wellington is a compact yet cosmopolitan capital with a reputation for big ideas and big-hearted people. Join us as a Specialist Adviser (Microbial Risk & Epidemiology) and you'll be stepping into a city where your work contributes to national decision‑making, all while enjoying a relaxed, connected way of life.

With dramatic coastlines, bustling markets, celebrated coffee culture, and weekend escapes just a short drive or ferry ride away, Wellington offers the perfect balance of purpose and adventure.

As part of MPI, you'll also have access to a wide range of social networks, employee groups, and community events that offer opportunities to connect, grow, and get involved. Depending on your situation, relocation support may be available to help make your move as smooth as possible.

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on public health and food safety in New Zealand?

The role integrates microbiological and epidemiological insights to support New Zealand Food Safety's research, standards, and regulatory activities. You will provide scientific advice on pathogen detection, transmission, and control, and lead or support projects under the MPI Operational Research Programme. A key focus is contributing to risk assessment, management, and communication—particularly in analysing and reporting foodborne illness data.

The role also supports MPI's response to food-related incidents and emerging issues, helping develop systems for tracking and reporting human health impacts.

About You – Mōu 

You will be a microbiology expert with strong applied epidemiology skills, preferably focusing on foodborne pathogens. 

In this role, you will do the following:

• Lead scientific and statistical work aligned with the Food Safety strategy, contributing to the development of food safety standards and evidence-based decision making.
• Provide expert advice on food safety risks to MPI and stakeholders, supporting risk assessment, management, and communication.
• Enhance internal capability by guiding epidemiological and statistical methods, including sampling, data analysis, and visualisation.
• Manage foodborne disease reporting, including regular trend analysis and responses to ad hoc data requests.
• Foster partnerships with key agencies and stakeholders to support surveillance, reporting, and regulatory initiatives.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Food Science & Risk Assessment Directorate plays a specialised role in delivering science and risk assessment advice that underpins the development of robust food safety standards. This advice supports both internal stakeholders across MPI and external partners, including industry, consumers, and research funders. Science and risk assessment are critical inputs at every stage of decision-making and operational delivery.

Following internationally recognised procedures, the Food Risk Assessment team provides expert advice on food-related risks and the likely impact of control measures. These assessments inform risk managers across MPI, helping them identify and implement the most effective regulatory responses.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

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

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 11:59am on Thursday 16th April 2026.

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

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