Senior Scientist | Auckland Tamaki

Job Description

Senior Scientist

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Auckland (Tamaki Makaurau)

Salary band & range: E/D $87,008 to $118,005 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga  

The Ministry for Primary Industries' Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) has an opportunity for a Senior Scientist with expertise in diagnostic Entomology to This position is expected to support the molecular Entomology team in BAU work.

 In this role some of the key focus areas will be:

• Conducting morphological and molecular identification of major groups of insect pests.
• Delivery of diagnostics via investigations, evaluation, interpretation, and review.
• Response management via technical advice and recommendations to the Ministry and relevant external organisations. 
• Scientific analysis, reporting, and advice via critical examination of data and results interpretation.
• Project management through participation in determining project/work needs, allocation of resources, and timeframes.
• Maintenance of quality control data for quality maintenance according to international standard.
• Maintaining, developing and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders in New Zealand and internationally, including industry, Maori, government and non-government agencies to support our goals.
• Implementing innovative concepts, tools and techniques related to the invertebrate diagnostic capability development
• Mentoring new staff to maximize their potential through diagnostic training
• Publishing high quality peer reviewed scientific, technical and policy papers

About You - Mōu

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a PhD or equivalent qualification (post-graduate degree and relevant technical experience). You will have experience in the identification of a wide range of invertebrates.

Our ideal candidate will be a team player with excellent communication skills, leadership ability, initiative, sound judgment, with an ability to think outside of the square.

Preference will be given to applicants with broad diagnostic skills in entomology who have demonstrated collaborative research, who have worked within a quality environment, have proven planning and organisational skills, project management skills, and is able to prioritise under pressure and adapt to changing demands.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

PHEL is the national reference centre for the identification of all suspected exotic, new, and emerging pests and diseases of plants, and arthropod pests affecting the environment and provides diagnostic services to primary industries to facilitate trade. The laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025.

Our team is dedicated, diverse and highly supportive that operates in a busy and varied environment to deliver our core work programme supporting New Zealand's biosecurity system and our stakeholders. This role will offer you the variety and the challenge to develop and enhance your scientific leadership skills through providing direction, mentoring and supervision whilst driving innovation that will shape our future way of working.   

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

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

• Additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Annual Wellness payment

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/about-mpi/careers/working-mpi/benefits/

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

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.

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 22^nd February 2026

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

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