Senior Technician - Microbiology

Senior Technician – Microbiology

Te tūnga The role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Technician to join our Microbiology team within the Health Group, based at Kenepuru Science Centre, Porirua and Wallaceville Science Centre, Upper Hutt. This role will perform routine and non-routine laboratory analysis of clinical samples, undertake testing using Microbiological, molecular and/or serologic techniques, perform calculations and interpret results.

Kia angitu koe About you

This is a varied and challenging role for which you will have demonstrated experience and ability to work independently across a range of technical and complex tasks. You will be skilled in planning, collecting data, analysis and reporting of results.

To be successful in this role you will have:

An appropriate science qualification at a tertiary level

Registration or the ability to gain registration with the New Zealand Medical Sciences Council

Experience of infectious diseases serology principles and practice, including ELISA

Ability to handle clinical and surveillance samples appropriately

Ability to handle chemicals appropriately and prepare reagents accurately

A good understanding of safe laboratory practice

Demonstrate Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)

Accuracy with numeracy and mathematical calculations and understanding of statistical measurement

Understanding of Quality Management systems, including ISO 15189: 2022 and ISO 17025:2017

Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook)

The ability to work independently and to plan own work schedule.

This role may require Saturday overtime shifts on a rotating roster.

Ngā painga The benefits

Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments.

Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional ESR days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve)

15 days sick leave and service leave provisions after five years

Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community.

Free annual flu vaccinations

Life insurance and physical loss benefit

Subsidised Southern Cross 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 Carbon reduce 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.

If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with

Applications close at 12:00am 19 June 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 once advertising closes and 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.

ESR is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.

If you don't meet every requirement in this position description, please don't exclude yourself. Studies indicate that women and other individuals from under-represented groups often only apply when they satisfy all the criteria. We focus on recruiting individuals who share our core values of Mahi Rangatira (Our quality counts), Mahi tahi (our team spirit), Mahi Auaha (we push boundaries), Mahi Pono (we do the right thing). If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to submit your application.

ESR is committed to developing a diverse, inclusive, equitable workplace where people feel they belong. We believe this is the right thing to do, but we also believe it is a worthwhile commitment that makes our organisation stronger and more capable through building on our diversity of thinking, enabling us to better understand the needs of our stakeholders and people and respond effectively to them. An inclusive environment means the diverse perspectives we have are more likely to be expressed, heard, and acted on.

Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment.

Applications Close:20 June 2025

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