Scientist - Radiation Safety

New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science Ltd; Kenepuru Head; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

4 weeks annual leave + 2 extra days +

3 PHF Science days

15 days sick leave + service leave

Volunteer day

Free flu vaccinations

Life insurance

Southern Cross insurance discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

PHF Science is seeking an experienced Scientist to join the Radiation Safety team at the Kenepuru Science Centre (Porirua). The role applies scientific, technical and regulatory expertise to support radioactive waste management, compliance monitoring and radiation safety advice across New Zealand.

You will travel across the country, contribute to emergency preparedness, and deliver training and outreach. A strong background in health physics with leadership ability is essential.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in science/engineering/medical physics/health physics or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years' experience in radiation safety or health physics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Current full New Zealand driver''s licence.
• Ability to obtain/maintain Use Licence and Enforcement Officer appointment under the Radiation Safety Act 2016 after training.

Responsibilities

• Conduct radiation safety inspections and compliance monitoring across New Zealand.
• Provide technical and regulatory advice to government agencies, industry stakeholders and radiation users.
• Support operation of the National Radiation Storage Facility (NRSF).
• Prepare scientific, technical and regulatory reports.
• Support radiological emergency preparedness and participate in a 24/7 on-call roster.
• Deliver training, consultancy and outreach activities.
• Contribute to NCRS projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Science/Engineering degree

Job description

Te tūnga | The role

An exciting opportunity exists for a Scientist to join the Radiation Safety team within PHF Science's National Centre for Radiation Science. This position is based at the Kenepuru Science Centre in Porirua. The role involves applying scientific, technical, and regulatory expertise to support the delivery of technical services including radioactive waste management, compliance monitoring, radiation safety advice, and emergency preparedness and response.

Key responsibilities

• Conducting radiation safety inspections and compliance monitoring activities throughout New Zealand.
• Providing technical and regulatory advice to government agencies, industry stakeholders, and users of ionising radiation.
• Supporting the operation of the National Radiation Storage Facility (NRSF).
• Preparing scientific, technical, and regulatory reports.
• Supporting radiological emergency preparedness and participating in a 24/7 emergency response on-call roster.
• Delivering training, consultancy, and outreach activities.
• Contributing to NCRS projects, programmes, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role requires regular travel throughout New Zealand, including periods away from home of up to one week at a time. Occasional international travel may also be required.

Kia angitu koe | About you

You will have a strong scientific background, sound judgement, and the ability to communicate complex technical information to a wide range of audiences.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• A tertiary qualification in science, engineering, medical physics, health physics, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least five years' experience in radiation safety, radiation protection, health physics, medical physics, or a closely related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Current full New Zealand driver's licence.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Use Licence and appointment as an Enforcement Officer under the Radiation Safety Act 2016 following training.

Desirable Experience

• Regulatory compliance, inspection, auditing, or enforcement activities.
• Radiological emergency management or incident response.
• Development and delivery of training programmes.
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

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 Year’s 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, we’re 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 [e-mail].

Applications close 12pm on 7 December 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. To be considered for this position, you must be able to obtain and maintain a New Zealand National Security Clearance (SECRET level).

Further information, including the eligibility self-assessment tool, is available at: https://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/guidance/getting-a-national-security-clearance. 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 Science’s 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. 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: We are New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute specialising in science for communities. We use world-leading science to safeguard our health, keep our communities safer, protect our food-based economy, and improve the health of our water and natural environment. Keeping people safe and healthy through science is our focus and our staff bring a wealth of different experience and backgrounds to deliver this expertise. If you have the skills, initiative and commitment for protecting people through science, we’d like to hear from you.

Find out more: PHF Science - Careers, PHF Science - Website, PHF Science - LinkedIn