Senior Biosafety Officer - Containment & Risk Lead

Ministry for Primary Industries NZ; Upper Hutt; On-site; NZD 103,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Additional MPI leave days

Annual Wellness payment

Bi-annual paid eye test and lens costs

Job summary

The National Biocontainment Laboratory in Upper Hutt, part of the Ministry for Primary Industries NZ, has a rare full-time, permanent opening for a Biosafety Officer.

This senior role leads risk management, biosafety culture, containment training, and expert advice across internal and external stakeholders. Qualified scientists with biosafety experience are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

Qualifications

• Qualified in science, microbiology, or health and safety.
• Experience identifying and managing complex risks.
• Ability to influence others without formal authority.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Confidence providing specialist biosafety advice.
• Knowledge of containment systems and training.

Responsibilities

• Be a key driver of the laboratory's biological risk management system, ensuring safe, secure, and compliant operations.
• Coach staff and foster a strong biosafety culture.
• Exercise authority to stop work that may compromise biosafety.
• Provide expert biosafety advice to stakeholders from lab staff to external partners.
• Understand containment systems and train others in their use.
• Maintain and lead improvements in biosafety procedures.
• Identify and manage complex operational risks.

Skills

Biosafety expertise

Operational risk

Influence without authority

Relationship building

Communication skills

Judgement

Education

Science / microbiology qualification

Job description

The National Biocontainment Laboratory in Upper Hutt, part of the Ministry for Primary Industries NZ, has a rare full-time, permanent opening for a Biosafety Officer.

This senior role leads risk management, biosafety culture, containment training, and expert advice across internal and external stakeholders. Qualified scientists with biosafety experience are encouraged to apply before the closing date.