Casual Technician

AgResearch; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Casual contract

Job summary

Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, part of a collaborative research ecosystem in New Zealand, is offering casual laboratory support roles at Grasslands Palmerston North. You will assist with routine lab tasks, follow safety procedures, and help keep research operations running smoothly through December 2026.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a busy scientific environment.

Qualifications

• Current enrolment in tertiary study, secondary school senior years, or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions and laboratory procedures.
• A reliable work ethic and commitment to health and safety.
• Good organisation skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Follow standard operating procedures and health and safety protocols to dispose of material that may be hazardous.
• Wash laboratory dishes, glassware, tubes and other reusable equipment.
• Assist with cleaning laboratory benches, sinks and shared work areas.
• Load, unload and organise laboratory equipment under staff supervision.
• Sort, check and store cleaned items for reuse and laboratory operations.

Job description

Be Part of Science That Makes a Difference

Are you looking for casual work and interested in seeing behind the scenes of a busy scientific laboratory through to December 2026? This is a great opportunity to gain experience in a research environment while supporting important methane research projects that contribute to New Zealand's agricultural future.

You'll be part of our supportive Rumen Microbiology team based at our Grasslands Palmerston North campus carrying out routine laboratory support tasks that help keep research operations running smoothly. We're looking for someone who is reliable, organised, enjoys practical hands-on work, and takes pride in maintaining high standards.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

In this role, you will:

• Follow standard operating procedures and health and safety protocols to safely and appropriately dispose of material that may be biologically or chemically hazardous.
• Wash laboratory dishes, glassware, tubes and other reusable laboratory equipment.
• Assist with cleaning laboratory benches, sinks and shared work areas in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Load, unload and organise laboratory equipment, including dishwashers and sterilising equipment under staff supervision.
• Sort, check and store cleaned laboratory items to ensure they are ready for reuse and laboratory operations.

What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Current enrolment in tertiary study, secondary school senior years, or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions and laboratory procedures.
• A reliable work ethic and commitment to health and safety.
• Good organisation skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao is New Zealand’s newest public research organisation, formed through the merger of AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Scion, and the New Zealand Food Innovation Network. Our purpose is to drive innovation and commercial outcomes in the bioeconomy, using research and technology to support enduring economic growth and resilience, a healthy environment and beneficial social outcomes for New Zealand.

We are excited about this new chapter and welcome applicants who want to be part of our journey.

Further details about the Bioeconomy Science Institute can be found on our website , watch this Bioeconomy Science Institute short clip.

Ready to Apply? | Kua rite koe ki te tono?

If this opportunity excites you and you believe your skills, experience and perspective would add value to our team, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close: 20/10/2026