Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Job Title: Scientist (Entomology)
Role Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Location: Auckland (St Johns)
Salary range: $74,964 to $99,968 depending on skills and experience
About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga
Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) is seeking a diagnostic entomologist to identify organisms intercepted at the border or found during surveillance and investigations. You'll provide expert advice, support test result analysis, and contribute to biosecurity efforts across MPI.
In this role, you'll mentor new staff and help develop tools and infrastructure for rapid identification of native and exotic invertebrates affecting plants and the environment. You'll also play a key part in driving innovation and shaping future practices.
About You - Mōu
We're looking for a highly motivated individual with a postgraduate degree and relevant technical experience in entomology. You should have strong skills in identifying a wide range of invertebrates and be up to date with current taxonomy and scientific literature. Knowledge of New Zealand invertebrates is valuable, but our priority is diagnostic readiness for high-impact exotic species that could threaten the environment and economy.
The ideal candidate is a team player, shows initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to think creatively. Flexibility to work outside normal hours during biosecurity responses is essential.
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Broad diagnostic entomology skills
- Laboratory experience in molecular biology
- Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal forms
- Leadership and mentoring skills within a team setting
- Experience in collaborative research and quality systems
- Strong planning, project management, and prioritisation abilities
- A proactive approach to building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū
Join our dedicated, diverse, and supportive team, where you'll thrive in a dynamic environment and grow your scientific leadership skills.
MPI's Plant Health & Environment Laboratory (PHEL) is the national reference centre for the identification of all suspected exotic, new and emerging pests and diseases of plants, and arthropod pests affecting the environment and provides diagnostic services to primary industries to facilitate trade. The laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025.
Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro
Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred applicant/s for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.
Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? - Are you ready to make a difference?
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whanau and hāpori.
We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua a great place to work for all.
In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, your whakapapa; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.
To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.
Applications close at midnight on 22nd June 2025
If you have any questions about the role, please email cassie.a'uvaa@mpi.govt.nz