Principal Scientist - Post Entry Quarantine at Plant Health and Environment Laboratory

Ministry for Primary Industries

Auckland City, NZ

8h ago

Job Description

Location : Auckland, New Zealand

Permanent Full Time

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role

We have a vacancy for a highly talented and experienced Principal Scientist, passionate about plant PEQ, to support the PEQ team and team manager.

In this role you will also work closely with the other teams in Assurance, Biosafety & Containment; Bacteriology & Botany;

Diagnostic Readiness & Innovation; Entomology; Mycology & Nematology; and Virology & Phytoplasmology.

You will play a key role in offering innovative thinking, contributing to the planning, and futureproofing of the high-value, high-risk plant PEQ Level 3B greenhouse services.

You will offer expert advice on the quality assurance of biosecurity matters surrounding the PEQ services for high-value, high-risk nursery stock and seeds for planting.

You will be an integral part of our science team, designing and commissioning research projects, evaluating tenders, supervising research contracts, and reviewing and updating research documents.

You are expected to run one or more of our multi-stakeholder Working Groups, represent PHEL at national or international fora, and contribute to PHEL's strategic goals and projects.

You will be working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry representatives, and sometimes in pressure situations, meaning your communication and negotiation skills will be second to none.

You will be an approachable science leader who can quickly form rapport with the PEQ team and influence wider MPI groups.

The Salary Range for this role is C : from $109,626 to $148,138 depending on skills, capabilities, and experience.

Mōu - About You

Key Selection Criteria Include :

Appropriate tertiary qualifications (preferably a PhD) in horticulture, plant and environmental biosecurity science, plant physiology, etc.

A strong knowledge of horticultural practices, plant health diagnosis and molecular biology is essential

Proven experience of giving sound science-based advice across the disciplines

A strong knowledge of plant Import Health Standards and / or plant passport systems

Expert technical knowledge and broad experience of managing operational delivery of plant PEQ services, especially proven ability to develop positive industry relations, is desirable

Proven experience in the application of project management methodologies, preferably in developing and leading laboratory / greenhouse projects, including designing and commissioning of new quarantine greenhouses

Proven leadership skills

Excellent communication and written skills are a must

Embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the design and delivery of our services and enable incorporation of māturanga Māori or minimally a desire to develop in te ao Māori

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

Our vision is New Zealand will be the world's most sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products. We aim to do this by having our primary sector thriving in a way that helps all New Zealanders, increases sustainable resource use, and protects New Zealand from biological risk.

Mō tō mātou rōpū - About the Team

The Plant Health & Environment Laboratory is part of MPl's Diagnostic and Surveillance Services directorate (DSS) in the Biosecurity New Zealand branch.

PHEL is the national reference laboratory for the identification of all suspected exotic, new and emerging pests and diseases, and arthropod pests affecting plants, the environment and human health.

PHEL also offers diagnostic services to New Zealand's primary industries to enable trade. The laboratory is accredited to ISO17025 and the use of a quality assurance system is an integral part of our operations.

These activities enable the management of risks associated with traded plants and plant products and maximise the opportunities to respond to biosecurity risks in New Zealand.

Also, PHEL is the sole operator in New Zealand offering Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) Level 3B greenhouse services for the importation of high-value, high-risk horticultural crops.

To join a diverse and interesting organisation that offers a wide range of career opportunities click on our link below.

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