Scientist EEFV

New Zealand Institute For Public Health And Forensic Science

Job Location:

Wellington - New Zealand

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Te tūnga The role

This nine-month fixed-term role focuses on developing and validating PCR and sequencing-based assays to support clinical and wastewater surveillance. The position aims to strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks and support capability-building across PHF Science. We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic scientist with a strong interest in infectious diseases and proven skills in molecular techniques including nucleic acid extraction PCR sequencing and data analysis. The successful candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.

The role is based in the Wellington region/ Pōneke across the Kenepuru and Wallaceville Science Centres.

Kia angitu koe About you

To be successful in this role you will have the following:

Relevant postgraduate qualification (i.e. microbiology/virology) and/or at least three years of relevant post-graduation laboratory experience.

Experience in molecular biology methods including nucleic acid extraction PCR based assays and sequencing/library preparation.

Has the ability to develop and validate new methods and introducenew ideas.

Ability to work closely with experts in microbiology and genomics.

Ability to work independently to complete tasks and organise workload.

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.

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 Sunday 11 January 2026

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 once advertising closes and applications have been reviewed.

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 Polio. In 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 will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment.

Applications Close:

11 January 2026

Required Experience:

Te tūnga The roleThis nine-month fixed-term role focuses on developing and validating PCR and sequencing-based assays to support clinical and wastewater surveillance. The position aims to strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks and support capability-building across PHF Science. We are seeking...