Job Description
Korero mo te turanga - About the Role
MPI is in the final stages of commissioning the most advanced bio-containment laboratory in New Zealand. This strategic facility is focussed on protection of our primary industries and environment. Bioinformatics is a key component and we are excited at the opportunity to expand and enhance this capability.
This position will give you exposure to a wide range of leading national and international experts and high end laboratory technology.
A new position that will involve you working with leading virologists and bacteriologists in designing and implementing bioinformatics tools within AHL Wallaceville.
Your role will be to enhance and develop our pipelines required for analyses of high impact infectious organisms. This work is critical to a range of research projects and investigations of exotic animal pathogens.
Reporting in the Immunology team, your role will involve close links with all laboratory teams, other bioinformatics staff within the directorate and our external stakeholders.
Your goal will be to deliver a workable and sustainable solution to expand this exciting field into our exotic disease portfolio.
You must have excellent communication and relationship management skills to work with a wide range stakeholders.
Mou - About You
Bring your experience in working in bioinformatics, software and data management, skills in stakeholder management and knowledge of laboratory systems to this fulfilling working environment.
To be successful in this role you will be experienced at working effectively across different teams, be an excellent team player and be capable of making decisions under pressure
You will also be able to work within the constraints of the NZ Biosecurity Act and follow the values expected of all MPI and Government employees
PhD, or post graduate qualification with research experience, in biology, computer science or a related discipline;
Experience in developing software packages and/or bioinformatics tools;
Skills in one or more programming languages, e.g. Python, Perl, R, Java, C++;
Good knowledge of molecular biology and statistics;
Skilled use of Microsoft Office and experience with Laboratory Management software.
An understanding of how a diagnostic laboratory is managed.
Successful experience in a role requiring initiative, attention to detail, excellent communication.
Initiative and ability to anticipate events and take action accordingly.
Oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information effectively.
Experience managing stakeholder relationships and organising related events.
Successful experience working within budget and to agreed timeframes.
Self-starting and able to sustain momentum.
Mo te Manatu Ahu Matua - About MPI
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has a strength of common purpose and a passion to sustainably grow and to protect Aotearoa, for the benefit of all New Zealanders. It's no mean feat and we have a team of hard working and dedicated people in a variety of roles supporting us to make this happen. Our overall ambition is for New Zealand to be the most trusted source of high value natural products in the world. We're working towards sustainability, protection, growth and participation.
Mo te peka - About the Branch
The Biosecurity NZ Business Unit has a critical role in preventing harmful organisms crossing New Zealand's borders. It manages border and compliance activities as well as preparing for, and responding to, any biosecurity incursions that may occur.
The Diagnostics and Surveillance Services Directorate, in which this position will be based, is accountable for managing the surveillance and investigation of notifications of suspected exotic pests and diseases that may affect New Zealand's primary industries or aquatic and terrestrial environments. The directorate minimises the impact on our economy, environment and social and cultural values from harmful organisms that have or may establish in New Zealand.
The Animal Health Laboratory within the DSS Directorate provides accurate, reliable and valuable information that meets high standards of quality and scientific validity. The laboratory is the country's main centre for diagnostic response to exotic veterinary disease and maintains and improves its preparedness for biosecurity emergencies. We have capability in the detection and identification of a range of veterinary pathogens including terrestrial and aquatic species.
To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here
Nga hua o te Mahi i te Manatu Ahu Matua: - Benefits of working at MPI
Up to three additional (MPI holidays) leave days
Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation
Wellness benefit for employees
Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes
Comprehensive one-week MPI Induction Programme
Parental leave ex-gratia payment
Bi-annual MPI-paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
Salary range for this role is $91k to $117k depending on skills and experience
See the benefits of working at MPI
Nga Taki Whakahaumaru - Security checks
Security clearance to the level of CONFIDENTIAL is required for this position. The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain this clearance. More information about security clearances can be found at http://www.mpi.govt.nz/about-mpi/careers/apply/security-clearance/]
To join a diverse and interesting organisation that offers a wide range of career opportunities click on our link below!
Me pehea te tuku tono - How to Apply
To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here
To view the position description and/or apply for the role (submitting a cover letter and current curriculum vitae), please click “APPLY NOW” or visit the MPI Careers Site. For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.
To apply for this role 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.
In order to be considered for this role, applicants must be available to interview within New Zealand or via Skype.
The closing date is Sunday 2nd February 2020
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Jessica Bradley at **********
The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you'll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you're growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.
