Technical Officer - Analytical Science

Fonterra; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellbeing programs

Professional development opportunities

Flexible/hybrid working where possible

Employee recognition

Community involvement and cultural连接

Job summary

Fonterra Te Mātāpuna is seeking a Technical Officer to join the Analytical Science team in Palmerston North on a fixed-term parental leave cover. You will provide high‑quality analytical support across R&D projects, preparing and analysing samples, operating instruments, and validating results in LIMS while contributing to safe, compliant lab practice.

With a chemist background and hands-on lab experience, you’ll train colleagues, share knowledge on test methods, and help improve methods and

Qualifications

• Degree in chemistry or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience with analytical testing methods and laboratory equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate results.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, extract and analyse test samples per procedures and quality requirements.
• Operate, maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to stay fit for use.
• Deliver accurate chemical test results to support R&D projects and business activities.
• Enter and validate test results in LIMS, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
• Provide training and technical support on test methods and instrument operation.
• Troubleshoot methods and equipment and support continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory skills

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Chemistry degree or equivalent

Tools

LIMS

Laboratory instruments

Job description

Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō

At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves.

Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution.

Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

About the opportunity | Te whiwhinga mahi

We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Officer to join our Analytical Science team at our Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North on fixed term basis - Parental leave cover.

In this role, you’ll provide high-quality analytical support across Fonterra’s R&D projects and business activities, helping deliver robust chemical test results that inform product development, decision-making and continuous improvement. You’ll be hands‑on in the lab, preparing and analysing samples, operating laboratory equipment and instruments, validating results in LIMS, and supporting troubleshooting across a range of analytical methods.

You’ll also play an important role in sharing your technical knowledge with others — providing training, guidance and customer advice on test methods, sample suitability and instrument operation. Working in a safety‑first, quality‑focused environment, you’ll help ensure our laboratory equipment, systems and processes are reliable, compliant and fit for purpose.

Key responsibilities include:

• Prepare, extract and analyse test samples in line with laboratory procedures and quality requirements.
• Operate, maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment and instruments to ensure they are fit for use.
• Deliver accurate, high‑quality chemical test results to support Fonterra R&D projects and business activities.
• Enter, check and validate test results in LIMS, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
• Provide training, guidance and technical support on test methods, sample suitability and instrument operation.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods, tests and equipment, supporting others to resolve issues effectively.
• Support method development, experiment design, equipment validation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Investigate anomalous results using appropriate quality systems and procedures.
• Ensure safe handling, management and disposal of samples, chemicals and laboratory waste.

About you | Ko wai koe

You’ll bring a strong background in chemistry and practical laboratory experience. You’re confident preparing, testing and analysing samples, and committed to delivering accurate, high‑quality results that support R&D initiatives and business objectives.

You will be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, with the ability to build strong relationships across the organisation. Strong attention to detail, effective problem‑solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset enable success in troubleshooting methods and equipment, following quality systems, and contributing to a safe, efficient laboratory environment.

You will also bring:

• A qualification in chemistry or equivalent industry experience
• Experience with analytical testing methods, laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, reliable results
• Confidence working with procedures, quality systems and laboratory safety requirements
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• A collaborative, customer‑focused approach with the ability to build trust across teams
• Curiosity, initiative and a willingness to keep learning and improving

Our Values | Ngā Aura

At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone - no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our [1] Values Quiz

Our Commitment to You | Tā mātou oati

We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well‑being, development, and work‑life balance:

• Fair and equitable pay
• Health and well‑being programs (medical, mental health support)
• Professional development opportunities
• Career growth support
• Work‑life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
• Employee recognition
• Support for community involvement and cultural connection

To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers

A Career of Opportunities | Ngā Mahi

At Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co‑operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

Join Us | Tātou Tātou

Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together.

You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.

Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion | He Wāhi mō te Katoa

Inclusion is key to our Co‑operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions).

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth.

If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 27th of September.

1. https://values.fonterra.com/?utm_source=internal+job+ad&utm_medium=job+ad&utm_campaign=imagine+tomorrow&utm_term=&utm_content=values

2. https://www.fonterra.com/nz/en/careers.html?utm_campaign=talentacquisition&utm_medium=jobad&utm_source=fonterracareers