Senior Technician

Senior Technician Drug Chemistry Laboratory PHF Science Auckland to February 2027 Fixed Term

Te tūnga The role

Are you passionate about forensic science and analytical chemistry PHF Science is seeking a dedicated and skilled Senior Technician to join our Drug Chemistry Laboratory team in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This position offers the opportunity to work on complex technical tasks that make a real impact in forensic science and public health and to support the reduction of drug harm in the community. Our dedicated team at our Mount Albert Science Centre needs your technical skills and attention to detail which will support critical forensic investigations and public safety. This full time (40 hours) fixed term role (to February 2027) provides an opportunity to use your technical experience in a variety of settings such as our laboratory and at client locations.

As a Senior Technician you will:

• Undertake complex technical work independently across a range of laboratory duties.
• Plan collect data analyse and report results for specific areas of work.
• Apply problem-solving skills to science methods in a drug chemistry context.
• Provide technical assistance in forensic and drug-checking examinations to the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities are:

• Operate and maintain laboratory information systems (STARLIMS).
• Perform advanced testing under general supervision of senior scientists.
• Maintain and calibrate analytical instruments (FTIR GC GCMS HPLC).
• Prepare reports certificates and statements for court presentation.
• Supervise and train junior staff and laboratory assistants.
• Participate in rosters for rapid screening and festival drug-checking services.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards health & safety and information management policies.

Kia angitu koe About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in science (BSc Hons or higher) with a strong emphasis on chemistry is essential.
• Postgraduate qualifications such as a PGDip or MSc in Forensic Science are desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Essential Technical competencies:

• Proven 2 years experience in a chemistry laboratory and familiarity with safe laboratory practices.
• Technical expertise in analytical instrumentation (including microscopes FTIR GC GCMS HPLC).
• Computer literacy (MS Office STARLIMS preferred).

Desirable Competencies:

• Previous experience in a forensic laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of Tikanga Māori and willingness to embrace indigenous data sovereignty principles.

Physical and Medical Requirements

• Must be able to participate in PHF Sciences immunisation programme.
• Must be physically capable of working in a laboratory environment including standing for extended periods lifting equipment and working without colour vision limitations.
• Full NZ drivers licence and ability to travel within NZ
• Must be able to perform duties at various sites across New Zealand

Ngā painga The benefits

• Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments.
• Four weeks annual leave plus two additional annual leave days and three additional PHF Science days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Years Eve)
• 15 days sick leave and service leave provisions after five years
• Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community.
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Life insurance and physical loss benefit
• Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) a confidential and free counselling service.
• Starting salary for this role is NZ $78126. Experienced Senior Technicians can earn up to NZ $84461.

Mō mātou About Us

Established in 2025 formerly ESR PHF Science is a New Zealand Government-owned research organisation dedicated to the health wellbeing and safety of our communities. Specialising in public health and forensic sciences we monitor disease help ensure safe food and water reduce harm from drugs support the justice system and more. Our science powers innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow.

With 4 locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville) we use world-leading science to monitor disease test food and products safeguard our water and support the justice sector. By joining forces with experts and iwi were tackling critical issues to ensure a better Aotearoa New Zealand for all.

We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven flexible and ever evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification.

Tono mai Apply Now

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 would like to request a full position description please get in touch with

Applications close 8am on Friday 16 January 2025

Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity.

We will be back in touch as applications have been reviewed. Please note that there may be a delay due to the Christmas/New Year break.

Health Safety and Wellbeing

At PHF Science the health safety and wellbeing of our people is our highest priority. Depending on the role and exposure risks mandatory vaccinations may include Tetanus Typhoid Meningococcal Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B and some roles you may need to confirm your vaccination status in accordance with health and safety advice before you commence employment. Participation in PHF Sciences vaccination programme is a condition of employment for new staff. We choose to share this information early in our hiring process so candidates can make an informed choice and are happy to discuss further at interview stage if you have any questions.

PHF Science is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.

If you dont meet every requirement in this position description please dont exclude yourself. Studies indicate that women and other individuals from under-represented groups often only apply when they satisfy all the criteria. We focus on recruiting individuals who share our core values of Mahi Rangatira (Our quality counts) Mahi tahi (our team spirit) Mahi Auaha (we push boundaries) Mahi Pono (we do the right thing). If these values resonate with you we encourage you to submit your application.

PHF Science is committed to developing a diverse inclusive equitable workplace where people feel they belong. We believe this is the right thing to do but we also believe it is a worthwhile commitment that makes our organisation stronger and more capable through building on our diversity of thinking enabling us to better understand the needs of our stakeholders and people and respond effectively to them. An inclusive environment means the diverse perspectives we have are more likely to be expressed heard and acted on.

Please note the successful applicant may be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment as well as the provision of a staff elimination DNA sample.

Applications Close: