Biological Safety Manager

Job Description:

• Opportunities for professional development and free study
• Flexible working options to support your work-life balance
• Full time, permanent role based in Auckland CBD

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.

AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

In the People and Culture (P&C) Directorate, we are focussed on creating the best employee experience in everything we do. Our Health and Safety team provides a proactive partnering model for our university, and the role of Biological Safety Manager will support a critical function in our organisation.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

In this role, you will lead biological safety & compliance at AUT by providing expert guidance, oversight, and assurance for all activities involving biological materials, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and other regulated biologicals across AUT.

Some key responsibilities are:

• Act at the universities Nominated Delegate for the Transitional Facilities Operator
• Lead the coordination and verification of AUT’s PC1/PC2 containment and transitional facilities and ensure compliance with Containment Facility Standards
• Maintain and review containment manuals, SOPs, training records, compliance documentation, and inventories
• Coordinate internal verification audits, track corrective actions, and support MPI inspections
• Provide expert advice on biosafety policy, training, competency, and risk management
• Build strong partnerships internally and externally with MPI, EPA, WorkSafe NZ, and internal stakeholders
• Work closely with schools where physical containment facilities are operational

About you | Ko wai koe

If you’re the kind of person who isn’t afraid to try new things, explore bold ideas and inject real energy and passion into the entire university experience - you’ll fit right in.

You will be an experienced biological safety expert coming from a lab technician or ideally a lab manager background and be used to supporting health and safety within areas of biological risk. You will also bring with you:

• Experience working in biological containment laboratories
• Strong knowledge of biosafety legislations, PC1/PC2 containment standards, and regulatory frameworks (HSNO, Biosecurity Act, EPA/MPI)
• Experience in biosafety training, auditing, risk assessment, and document control
• Experience with GMOs and MPI/EPA import/export or facility controls
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Governance reporting experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey (link).

As a professional member of staff at AUT, you’ll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you’ll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do, every day.

You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your role and career. We offer:

• Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
• Recognition frameworks that reflect your contribution and how you live our values.
• The tools and trust to make a meaningful difference every day.
• Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose.
• Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff
• Professional development and funded study pathways to keep you moving forward.
• Free gym membership.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your CV - please ensure to submit a cover letter which a) explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key criteria listed above.

Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may also support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

Start Date: as soon as possible

Salary Range | Ngā Utu: $110k - $130k

For further information: please send us an enquiry here or call 09 921 9499.

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 24 May at 10.30pm

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 94150

At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.