Forensic Senior Scientist - Wellington
Te tūnga | The role
We are seeking two Senior Scientists to join the Forensic Specialised Analytical Services (F-SAS) Team for two full time permanent roles (40 hours). These roles are based within F-SAS, a part of the Forensic Business group and is located at our Kenepuru Science Centre (KSC) in Porirua, Wellington. We are an approved laboratory under the Land Transport Act with over 40 employees.
In this role, you will likely be involved in:
Providing analytical reporting for the scientific examination of samples for Forensic Toxicology, Workplace Drug Testing and analyses related to the Land Transport Act
Be familiar with instruments such as LC-MSMS/LC-TOFMS, GC-FID, GC-MS or GC-MSMSt
Tracking the examination and analyses through a laboratory information management system (LIMS)
Writing and presenting scientific papers.
Giving opinion evidence as an expert witness
Acting as a mentor or advisor for students and or other colleagues in a specialist area
Supporting quality assurance for the outputs of the F-SAS Laboratory.
Kia angitu koe | About you
To be successful in this role, you will have some or all of the following:
A relevant tertiary qualification in science (preferably MSc in chemistry), with experience in an analytical testing laboratory.
Experience in the use of analytical instrumentation including LC-MSMS/LC-TOFMS, GC-FID, GC-MS/GC-MSMS or HPLC is desirable
Experience in extraction and reporting of compounds of interest from complex matrices
Experience with complex or novel projects as an individual researcher/scientist
Understanding and following laboratory protocols.
Demonstrated customer service skills supported by relationships in the wider science community
Excellent written and oral communication skills, along with relevant computer skills.(LIMS experience is preferred)
Some experience in project work which may include financial or budgetary knowledge
Demonstrated report writing, publishing and presentation skills
The ability to demonstrate basic understanding of Te Reo me ona tikanga Māori and understanding of the principles and values that uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Ngā painga | The benefits
Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments.
Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community.
Discounted healthcare insurance & access to special retail discounts.
Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service.
Mō mātou | About Us
Established in 1992, ESR is New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute specialising in science that safeguards the health and wellbeing of Aotearoa’s people and natural environment.
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.
Tono mai | Apply Now
We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori.
This role has a starting base salary of $103,842. The base salary range is up to $117,875.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to request a full position description, please email esr.recruitment@esr.cri.nz.
Applications close at midnight Sunday 11 May 2025.
Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity.
We will be back in touch as applications have been reviewed.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
At ESR, 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 ESR’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.
Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and Ministry of Justice criminal check as conditions of employment.
