Staff Scientist - Bioanalytical Services

The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) is New Zealand's leading independent biomedical research institute, with a focus on breakthrough discoveries in immunology and immunotherapy. We have over 160 staff committed to finding cures for diseases using the body's own immune system.

The Hugh Green Technology Centre (HGTC) supports the Institute's scientific projects ranging from immune cell biology, vaccine therapies and CAR T-cell research, through to translational immunology. The four pillars of the HGTC include Flow Cytometry, Bioimaging, Data Science and Genomics and they provide a key service to multiple laboratories within the Institute, and to a range of external clients.

The newly established Bioanalytical Services (BAS) laboratory at the HGTC provides analytical services for the support of clinical trials in Aotearoa New Zealand and translational research at the Malaghan Institute under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. We are committed to quality, and provide reliable results to advance the discovery of novel therapies in New Zealand.

We are seeking a talented and passionate Staff Scientist with experience working in a clinical diagnostics or regulated medical laboratory environment to join this high performing team. This role is well suited to someone with a Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent background who is comfortable performing repeated, validated laboratory procedures within a highly regulated quality-managed setting.

As our successful candidate, you will be responsible for performing laboratory activities strictly in accordance with approved SOPs and validated protocols, and supporting the day-to-day operation of an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. You are extremely well-organised, able to plan and manage workload effectively with a strong attention to detail and a focus on quality and compliance. You will play a vital role in contributing to maintaining and improving the laboratory operations and the Quality Management System (QMS). Experience working in a GMP, ISO/IEC 17025, or ISO 15189 accredited environment is highly desirable.

The role involves routine laboratory work, including repeated procedures and sample processing. While standard hours apply in most cases, some flexibility is required, including occasional weekend or after-hours work to meet operational or client requirements.

Tohu Matauranga | Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or qualification in Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Sciences or similar

Nga Pukenga | Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree or qualification in Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Sciences or similar
• Demonstrated experience working in a clinical diagnostics, bioanalytical, or other regulated medical laboratory environment
• Laboratory experience working with human samples, with the ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline oriented environment
• Proven ability to perform routine and repeated laboratory procedures accurately and consistently
• Ability to work in a methodical manner while strictly following protocols, SOPs, and quality procedure guidelines
• Relevant experience in a GMP and/or ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 15189 quality-managed environment

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong documentation and record keeping practices, and ability to work independently

Nga ahuatanga | Desired traits

• Detail-oriented attitude with a strong commitment to accuracy, consistency, and compliance
• Knowledge of basic use of scientific methods, procedures, and techniques
• Comfortable working in a regulated environment with minimal deviation from approved procedures
• Actively participating in the review and continuous improvement of the QMS
• Cooperative and friendly team member
• Good communication skills are required, both written and verbal

Nga Kawenga | Key Responsibilities

• Understanding of the requirement of ISO/IEC 17025 and actively participating in improving processes, SOPs and QMS
• Support the laboratory activities of the Bioanalytical Services Laboratory, including but not limited to sample processing and validation of new procedures
• Maintain specimen integrity by using an aseptic technique and adhering exactly to validated procedures
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment in accordance with approved SOPs
• Plan and manage workload effectively to meet customer deadlines
• Monitor inventory of laboratory supplies
• Maintain a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standard operating procedures; complying with legal regulations
• Support the Quality Manager during internal audits, deviations and quality activities
• Train other laboratory staff scientists as required
• Attend weekly BAS and HGTC group meetings

Nga Painga |Benefits

• Opportunities to contribute to clinical and translational research.
• A supportive team culture.
• Exposure to a unique research environment working with highly driven scientists and support staff.
• Training and development opportunities to support you in your career with us, with potential for career progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme- confidential, professional services which can support and guide you through your life or work challenges.
• An excellent location, with great offices at Victoria University in Kelburn offering a great supply of cafes and other amenities.
• Salary starting from $72,000 depending on experience.

The Malaghan Institute is alsoan equal opportunity employer, and values diversity alongside being committed toupholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi andVision Matauranga.Wesupport Maori health advancement in partnership with Te Urungi Maori, the Institute's Maori advisory group, wethereforewelcome Maori applicants for this role.

Me Pehea te tuku tono | How to apply

This role will particularly suit candidates with a background in clinical diagnostics or medical laboratory science who enjoy structured, process-driven work and take pride in producing reliable, high-quality results in a regulated laboratory environment.

If you share the Malaghan Institute's passion for curing disease and think you'd be a valuable addition to our HGTC team, apply now by sending your cover letter and CV. Applications close Friday 14 August 2026 for an immediate start. Interviews will be held throughout should the right candidate apply. Don't wait, apply today!

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.