Senior Calibration and Quality Technician

Te tūnga The role

Are you passionate about science quality and calibration PHF Science is seeking an experienced Senior Calibration and Quality Technician to join our Quality team. This is a handson part time 32 hour permanent technical role with a strong quality focus supporting laboratory operations across PHF Science business units located at our Christchurch Science Centre in Ilam. You can learn more about our quality commitment and our organisation here.

At PHF Science youll be part of a purpose driven organisation supporting public health outcomes through high quality science. We offer a collaborative environment meaningful technical work and opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement across our laboratories.

The primary purpose of this position is to calibrate a wide range of laboratory equipment and maintain quality system documentation within the PHF Science Quality Management System. The role also supports Quality Assurance activities Biosecurity compliance and provides technical and quality guidance across laboratories.

You would undertake complex and specialist technical work requiring a high degree of independence sound technical judgement and strong problem solving capabilityparticularly in relation to scientific methods and accredited environments.

As a Senior Technician you will:

• Conduct equipment calibrations to accreditation requirements.
• Coordinate equipment checks servicing and maintenance with external providers.
• Maintain instrument calibration and equipment records.
• Provide technical advice to laboratories including interpretation of calibration results and routine testing plans.
• Write prepare and peer review equipment calibration reports.
• Assist with commissioning of new equipment.
• Support and maintain PHF Sciences Quality Assurance System
• Prepare reports and recommendations for laboratory coordinators and group managers.
• Support development and review of Quality Assurance policies and processes.
• Assist with internal audits and quality investigations.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement across teams.
• Provide training induction and mentoring for less experienced staff.

Kia angitu koe About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in science (BSc Hons or higher) and a postgraduate Diploma or MSc in a relevant discipline is advantageous.
• Previous experience and understanding of specific quality assurance systems and responsibilities.
• Broad experience in microbiological or chemical testing methods
• Experience working in accredited testing or calibration laboratories.
• High level of technical and analytical capability
• Demonstrated ability to work independently across complex technical duties.
• Proven planning data analysis and reporting capability
• Strong problemsolving skills particularly in scientific methods.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements.
• Excellent organisational communication and reportwriting skills.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Experience in Quality Management software is desirable)
• Teamfocused approach with mentoring and training capability

Physical Medical and other Requirements

• Must be able to participate in PHF Sciences immunisation programme.
• Must be a citizen or have a permanent working visa.

Ngā painga The benefits

• 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) pro-rata
• 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 (pro-rata).

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 on Monday 11 May 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 contact as soon as we are able and dynamically shortlist.

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.

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