Team Manager Genomics - Animal Health Laboratory

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington, Upper Hutt

Salary range and band: General Salary RangeC: $119,376 - $160,026 depending on skills and experience

About the role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Team Manager Genomics to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Genomics team within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI's) Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) at our Wallaceville site.

As Team Manager Genomics, you will be responsible for leading people, capability, and delivery of genomic diagnostic services that underpin biosecurity readiness, incursion investigation, surveillance, and response.

You will play a critical role in ensuring New Zealand maintains world-class genomic diagnostic capability, meets international accreditation standards, and responds effectively to biosecurity threats across both aquatic and terrestrial animal health.

About you - Mōu

Our ideal candidate will be an experienced scientific leader who combines technical expertise with strong people management and strategic capability.

You will bring:

• Post-graduate tertiary qualifications in a relevant scientific discipline (g. genomics, molecular biology, microbiology)
• Experience in managing staff and/or leading teams, including responsibility for administrative, financial and personnel systems within complex organisations
• Proven experience developing and leading laboratory programmes, projects and operational processes
• Strong knowledge of laboratory health and safety, biosafety, and quality management systems, including accreditation standards
• The ability to analyse complex technical issues and make sound business and operational decisions
• Experience and understanding of domestic and international biosecurity issues
• Well-developed people management, project management, and communication skills, with the ability to lead teams and deliver outcomes across diverse interests

About the team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) is New Zealand's national reference laboratory for animal diseases and provides trusted, high-quality diagnostic services that support biosecurity readiness, response, and international trade. The laboratory operates advanced PC2 and PC3+ biocontainment facilities and maintains accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025, underpinned by robust quality management systems and continuous improvement.

The Genomics team plays a critical role in maintaining, enhancing, and developing new diagnostic capability, using advanced genomic technologies to support strategic biosecurity priorities. The team contributes directly to strengthening New Zealand's ability to detect, characterise, and respond to current and emerging animal health threats.

As part of AHL, the Genomics team works closely with other laboratory disciplines, national and international partners, and internal stakeholders across MPI. Together, we ensure the laboratory remains resilient, future-focused, and fit for purpose.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Annual Wellness payment

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen, who has resided continuously in NZ for at least the last five (5) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.

visit protectivesecurity.govt.nz/personnel-security/managing-insider-risk/clearances/ to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/guidance/getting-a-national-security-clearance/eligibility-tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro

Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred applicant/s for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

This is an opportunity to lead a highly skilled scientific team and contribute directly to protecting New Zealand's biosecurity system. In this role, your leadership and expertise will help ensure New Zealand remains prepared for current and emerging animal health threats, while supporting trusted diagnostic services.

MPI is committed to being an inclusive and supportive workplace where people can do their best work. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

In your cover letter, we'd like to hear about your interest in this role and the Animal Health Laboratory; your leadership approach and experience; the skills, strengths, and perspectives you would bring to the Genomics team and MPI.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click "APPLY ON WEBSITE" or visit our career site: www.mpi.govt.nz/about-mpi/careers/. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it - visit: www.immigration.govt.nz/ to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 22 February

If you have any questions about the role, please email: george.mitrakas@mpi.govt.nz