Senior Technician

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Senior Technician to join a leading scientific and laboratory organisation in the Wellington region on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This full-time position offers the opportunity to contribute to important microbiology and antimicrobial resistance surveillance programmes that support public health outcomes.

The successful candidate will perform routine and specialised laboratory testing of clinical and surveillance samples using microbiological and molecular techniques. You will be responsible for data analysis, interpretation of results, quality assurance activities, and maintaining high laboratory standards while working independently across a range of technical and complex tasks.

This role is ideal for a highly organised and detail-oriented laboratory professional with strong microbiology expertise and experience working within accredited laboratory environments.

• Perform routine and non-routine microbiological laboratory testing
• Analyse clinical and surveillance samples using microbiological techniques
• Conduct molecular testing and related laboratory procedures
• Prepare, process, and handle laboratory samples in accordance with protocols
• Perform antimicrobial resistance surveillance and reference testing activities
• Interpret laboratory results and prepare accurate reports
• Carry out scientific calculations and statistical measurements
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation
• Prepare reagents and laboratory solutions accurately
• Handle chemicals and biological materials safely and appropriately
• Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems and laboratory standards
• Follow Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements
• Contribute to data collection, analysis, and reporting activities
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and workplace health and safety standards
• Work independently while effectively managing workloads and priorities
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory
• Collaborate with colleagues to achieve team objectives and service delivery requirements

• Appropriate tertiary qualification in Science, Microbiology, Biomedical Science, or a related discipline
• Registration with the New Zealand Medical Sciences Council or ability to obtain registration
• Experience in microbiology laboratory principles and practices
• Experience with antimicrobial resistance testing and surveillance activities
• Knowledge of culture methods, susceptibility testing, and related microbiological techniques
• Experience handling clinical and surveillance samples
• Ability to prepare reagents accurately and safely
• Strong understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements
• Demonstrated knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• Understanding of Quality Management Systems and ISO 15189:2022 standards
• Strong numerical skills and ability to perform scientific calculations accurately
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation of laboratory results
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Excellent communication and reporting skills
• Ability to meet standard employment, registration, and background checking requirements

Sponsorship available for suitable candidates