Senior Technician - Molecular Biosciences

Massey University; Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer pension contribution

University holidays

Health plan subsidy

Job summary

The Senior Technician - Molecular Biosciences at Massey University’s Manawatū campus in Palmerston North provides technical support to teaching labs, postgraduate research, and student projects. It emphasizes safe lab operation, equipment upkeep, and collaborative course delivery, with potential research involvement.

The role requires a Masters or substantial hands-on molecular biology experience, strong protocol development skills, and a proactive approach to troubleshooting and learning.

Qualifications

• Masters or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular cell biology and biochemistry.
• Experience with technical responsibilities and protocol implementation.
• Strong troubleshooting and self-motivation.

Responsibilities

• Support first to third year undergraduate molecular biosciences labs and practical classes.
• Collaborate with technical staff and academics to deliver lab-based courses.
• Plan and prepare laboratory sessions, including setup and pack-down.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, consumables, and teaching resources.
• Ensure safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials per regulations.
• Liaise with Facilities Management for lab maintenance and contractor access.
• Order and manage laboratory supplies and chemical inventories (Vertere/Chemwatch).
• Provide technical training to students and staff.
• Assist with lab teaching activities and equipment operation saves.
• Contribute to development of teaching manuals, protocols, and course resources.
• Support multi-modal teaching through digital resources (images, videos).
• Assist with student administration, marks management, and Stream/SMS communication.
• Maintain accurate lab records, inventories, and health & safety documentation.
• Support HSNO compliance including GMO work.
• Provide cover during peak teaching periods and staff absences.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Microbiology

Lab techniques

Safety compliance

Equipment maintenance

Student support

Education

Masters degree

Tools

Chemwatch

Vertere

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

The School of Food Technology & Natural Sciences is seeking a Senior Technician - Molecular Biosciences to join our team at Massey University's Manawatū campus in Palmerston North. This position is a full-time, permanent opportunity.

The Senior Technician - Molecular Biosciences provides technical support to undergraduate teaching laboratories, postgraduate students, and research activities. The role supports the delivery of practical teaching, ensures laboratories and equipment are maintained to a high standard, and contributes to a safe, efficient, and supportive learning and research environment. While this is not a teaching role, it provides an engaging opportunity to support practical learning, contribute to laboratory operations, and potentially participate in research activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting first to third year level undergraduate molecular biosciences laboratory teaching and practical classes, including classes in genetics, biochemistry, and microbiology.
• Working collaboratively with technical staff and academic colleagues to deliver laboratory-based courses.
• Planning and preparing laboratory sessions, including setup, pack-down, and resource management.
• Maintaining laboratory equipment, consumables, and teaching resources.
• Ensuring safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with regulations.
• Liaising with Facilities Management regarding laboratory maintenance and contractor access.
• Ordering and managing laboratory supplies and chemical inventories (including Vertere/Chemwatch system).
• Providing technical training to students and staff.
• Assisting with laboratory teaching, such as the save operation of equipment.
• Contributing to the development and updating of teaching manuals, protocols, and course resources.
• Supporting multi-modal teaching through development of digital resources (e.g. images, videos).
• Assisting with student administration, including marks management and communication via Stream and SMS.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records, inventories, and health and safety documentation.
• Supporting compliance with HSNO regulations, including work with GMOs.
• Providing cover during peak teaching periods and for technical staff absences.

To be successful in this role you will have a relevant tertiary qualification of at least a Masters, or equivalent significant hands-on laboratory experience in molecular cell biology and biochemistry (or related field). You will also have demonstrated experience in technical responsibilities, implementation of new protocols as required, extensive troubleshooting, and self-motivation.

You’ll join a collaborative, future-focused team supporting world-class teaching and research. Based on our Manawatu campus, you’ll enjoy a supportive work environment with a healthy work-life balance, and access to campus facilities including cafes, gym, and green spaces.

You will also receive up to 6.75% employer contribution to the UniSaver Superannuation Scheme, five university holidays each year, and a subsidised Southern Cross Healthcare plan for you and your whānau.

The salary for this position will depend on skills and experience but will be in the range of Grade 5 ($60,069 - $84,876).

Further enquiries should be directed to the Molecular Biosciences Group Leader - Evelyn Sattlegger at ************@massey.ac.nz.