Senior Technician

New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science Ltd; Albert-Eden; On-site; NZD 78,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Sick leave

Volunteer day

Flu vaccinations

Life insurance

Staff discounts

EAP

Job summary

PHF Science in Auckland is seeking a Senior Technician to support forensic DNA operations in a high-integrity laboratory, full-time for 12 months from 28 September 2026. You will perform complex molecular biology tasks, maintain equipment, assist in training, and contribute to investigations, with opportunities to appear in court and support sequencing and genomics groups.

A BA/BSc in molecular biology or related field, PCR experience, strong safety/QA knowledge, and familiarity with LIMS are

Qualifications

• BA or BSc (or higher) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field; transcripts assessed.
• Proven experience with molecular biology techniques, especially PCR.
• Strong understanding of lab safety, SOPs, and QA.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Familiarity with LIMS systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve scientific problems.
• Willingness to learn and contribute to forensic science advancements.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and hazards.
• Integrity and high ethical standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA/RNA extraction, quantitation, PCR, and analysis for forensic casework and databank samples.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and manage reagent and consumable stock levels.
• Provide technical support to forensic scientists and assist in training students or laboratory assistants.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with health & safety and quality standards.
• Participate in research and development under the guidance of senior scientists.
• Peer review work and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• May be required to appear in court to give factual evidence.
• Provide technical assistance to the forensic sequencing facility and related groups.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

PCR

Lab safety & QA

LIMS familiarity

Ethics & integrity

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

BA or BSc in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Genetics

Tools

PCR machines

Sequencing facility

Job description

Senior Technician – Forensic Biology – Mount Albert Science Centre – 1 Year Fixed term

Are you passionate about molecular biology and forensic science? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-integrity laboratory environment?

PHF Science is seeking aSenior Technician to support our forensic DNA operations full time, 40 hours/week for the period of 1 year from 28 September 2026. This is a unique parental leave cover opportunity in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland to contribute to meaningful work that impacts public safety and justice.

Te tūnga | The role

As a Senior Technician, you’ll apply your expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics to perform complex laboratory tasks. You’ll work independently and collaboratively to deliver high-quality forensic testing, maintain lab equipment, and support scientific investigations.

• Perform DNA/RNA extraction, quantitation, PCR, and analysis for forensic casework and databank samples.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and manage reagent and consumable stock levels.
• Provide technical support to forensic scientists and assist in training students or laboratory assistants.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with health & safety and quality standards.
• Participate in research and development under the guidance of senior scientists.
• Peer review work and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• May be required to appear in court to give factual evidence.
• You may also be required to provide technical assistance to the forensic sequencing facility, forensic genomics, and RNA research groups.

Kia angitu koe | About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A BA or BSc (or higher) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field (Transcripts will be assessed).
• Proven experience with molecular biology techniques, especially PCR.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety, SOPs, and quality assurance.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with LIMS systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve scientific problems.
• Willingness to learn and contribute to forensic science advancements.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practice, biological and chemical hazards.
• Integrity and high ethical standards.

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 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.

This role is remunerated between NZ$78,126 and $84,461

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. We are an accredited employer and employ talented forensic scientists via the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

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. If you don't meet every requirement in this position description, please don't 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).

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 provide a staff elimination DNA sample, perform a colour blindness test and may be required to adhere to the relevant vaccination requirements.

Applications close 9am on Monday 31 August 2026

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