Senior Calibration and Quality Technician at GNS Science

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 Jul, 26

Salary

78126.0

Posted On

16 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Calibration, Quality assurance, Laboratory equipment maintenance, Microbiological testing, Chemical testing, Data analysis, Report writing, Technical mentoring, Internal auditing, Quality management systems, Biosecurity compliance, Problem solving, Regulatory compliance, Microsoft Office, Scientific methods

Industry

Description

Te tūnga | The role Are you passionate about science, quality and calibration? PHF Science is seeking an experienced Senior Calibration and Quality Technician to join our Quality team. This is a hands‑on, part time 32 hour permanent technical role with a strong quality focus, supporting laboratory operations across PHF Science business units, located at our Christchurch Science Centre in Ilam. You can learn more about our quality commitment and our organisation here. At PHF Science, you’ll be part of a purpose driven organisation supporting public health outcomes through high quality science. We offer a collaborative environment, meaningful technical work, and opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement across our laboratories. The primary purpose of this position is to calibrate a wide range of laboratory equipment and maintain quality system documentation within the PHF Science Quality Management System. The role also supports Quality Assurance activities, Biosecurity compliance, and provides technical and quality guidance across laboratories. You would undertake complex and specialist technical work, requiring a high degree of independence, sound technical judgement, and strong problem solving capability—particularly in relation to scientific methods and accredited environments. As a Senior Technician, you will: Conduct equipment calibrations to accreditation requirements. Coordinate equipment checks, servicing, and maintenance with external providers. Maintain instrument, calibration, and equipment records. Provide technical advice to laboratories, including interpretation of calibration results and routine testing plans. Write, prepare, and peer review equipment calibration reports. Assist with commissioning of new equipment. Support and maintain PHF Science’s Quality Assurance System Prepare reports and recommendations for laboratory coordinators and group managers. Support development and review of Quality Assurance policies and processes. Assist with internal audits and quality investigations. Promote a culture of continuous improvement across teams. Provide training, induction, and mentoring for less experienced staff. Kia angitu koe | About you To be successful in this role you will have: A tertiary qualification in science (BSc Hons or higher) and a postgraduate Diploma or MSc in a relevant discipline is advantageous. Previous experience and understanding of specific quality assurance systems and responsibilities. Broad experience in microbiological or chemical testing methods Experience working in accredited testing or calibration laboratories. High level of technical and analytical capability Demonstrated ability to work independently across complex technical duties. Proven planning, data analysis, and reporting capability Strong problem‑solving skills, particularly in scientific methods. Ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements. Excellent organisational, communication, and report‑writing skills. Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Experience in Quality Management software is desirable) Team‑focused approach with mentoring and training capability Physical, Medical, and other Requirements Must be able to participate in PHF Science’s immunisation programme. Must be a citizen or have a permanent working visa. Ngā painga | The benefits Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional PHF Science days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve) – pro-rata 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. Starting salary for this role is NZ $78,126 (pro-rata). Mō mātou | About Us Established in 2025, formerly ESR, PHF Science is a New Zealand Government-owned research organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities. Specialising in public health and forensic sciences, we monitor disease, help ensure safe food and water, reduce harm from drugs, support the justice system and more. Our science powers innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow. 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. If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with recruitment@phfscience.nz Applications close on Monday 11 May 2026 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 contact as soon as we are able and dynamically shortlist. Health, Safety and Wellbeing At PHF Science, 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 PHF Science’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. PHF Science 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. PHF Science 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 may be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment. Applications Close: We are New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute specialising in science for communities. We use world-leading science to safeguard our health, keep our communities safer, protect our food-based economy, and improve the health of our water and natural environment. Keeping people safe and healthy through science is our focus and our staff bring a wealth of different experience and backgrounds to deliver this expertise. If you have the skills, initiative and commitment for protecting people through science, we’d like to hear from you. Find out more: PHF Science - Careers PHF Science - Website PHF Science - LinkedIn

Responsibilities

The role involves calibrating laboratory equipment and maintaining quality system documentation within the PHF Science Quality Management System. Additionally, the technician will provide technical guidance, support quality assurance activities, and assist with internal audits and equipment commissioning.