Biosafety Officer
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand · Full Time
Be the first to apply
- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- NZD 102,953 – NZD 120,365 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 2 weeks ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Education
- Relevant qualification in science, microbiology, biological sciences, health and safety, or related disciplines
- Eligibility
- Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or hold a valid New Zealand residence-class visa with security clearance eligibility and meet the necessary background checks for national security clearance.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
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Job description
Overview
Join the Ministry for Primary Industries at the cutting-edge National Biocontainment Laboratory in Upper Hutt, Wellington, as a full-time Biosafety Officer. This permanent role provides an opportunity to be instrumental in managing biosafety at New Zealand's premier facility for detecting and responding to exotic and emerging animal diseases. The laboratory adheres to the highest biosafety standards internationally.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the management of biological risk systems ensuring secure, safe, and compliant laboratory practices.
- Provide mentoring and promote a strong biosafety culture among staff.
- Intervene decisively when biosafety or containment protocols are at risk.
- Offer expert biosafety guidance to a variety of internal and external stakeholders with differing levels of expertise.
- Understand critical containment systems thoroughly and train others on their correct use.
- Drive continuous improvements in biosafety practices and containment procedures.
Candidate Profile
This senior specialist role demands credibility, sound judgment, and the ability to influence in a complex, operational setting. Ideal candidates will have experience in laboratory biosafety, containment, biological risk management, biotechnology, biosecurity, health and safety, or similarly regulated fields where risk management is paramount.
Applicants should hold relevant qualifications in science, microbiology, biological sciences, health and safety, or related disciplines. You should be adept at identifying and mitigating operational risks, capable of influencing colleagues without formal authority, and skilled in relationship building and communication. A commitment to continuous improvement is essential.
Work Environment
The National Biocontainment Laboratory houses PC2 and PC3+ facilities focused on exotic and emerging animal diseases. The Assurance, Biosafety and Containment Team is multidisciplinary and ensures a compliant, safe operational environment through rigorous systems management.
About MPI
The Ministry for Primary Industries partners with New Zealand’s food and fiber sector to deliver highly trusted, high-value products worldwide.
Benefits
- Additional special leave days beyond standard allowances
- Annual wellness payment
- Paid eye examinations every two years and a subsidy toward corrective eyewear costs
Security and Screening Requirements
- Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents with verified residency status.
- A minimum five-year background check assessed by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service is mandatory for CONFIDENTIAL national security clearance.
- Failure to meet these security prerequisites disqualifies applicants from consideration.
- Selected candidates will undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing due to the safety-sensitive nature of this position.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Ministry values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and collaboration with iwi, hapū, whānau, and communities.
Application Notes
Applications close at 11:59 pm on 22nd September 2026. Applicants should be eligible to work in New Zealand. For inquiries, contact Danielle.Plane@mpi.govt.nz.
Minimum education
Bachelor's Degree