Scientist
Company: PHF Science
Role summary
Scientist is a full-time role at PHF Science in Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (on-site). Posted 2026-08-20. Experience level: 5-10.
- Job title
- Scientist
- Company
- PHF Science
- Location
- Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Work arrangement
- on-site
- Employment type
- full-time
- Category
- Healthcare Support
- Experience level
- 5-10
- Date posted
- 2026-08-20
PHF Science is looking for an experienced scientist to lead high-level research initiatives in a collaborative, innovation-focused environment. You’ll have the autonomy to shape complex projects while working alongside a talented team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.
Job description
Scientist Pharmaceutical Programme – Full-Time (40 Hours/Week)
Te tūnga | The role
We are seeking a skilled Scientist for a permanent , full-time position based at our forensic laboratories at the Kenepuru Science Centre in Pōneke , Wellington. This role involves conducting chemical and physical analyses of pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like samples, drawing on your expertise in method development and validation. Experience in or understanding of microbiological analyses is beneficial but not essential to this role.
In addition to laboratory work, you will contribute to a range of supporting tasks including:
Administrative duties
Quality assurance activities
Technical support for day-to-day operations
You’ll be part of a small team within the Forensic Specialised Analytical Services Group, which comprises over 40 professionals. This team delivers critical services to the Ministry of Health and other clients.
Given the bespoke nature of our work, we’re looking for flexible individuals who excel in one-off project work, demonstrate strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, and can work efficiently across a range of simultaneous tasks .
Kia angitu koe | About you
To be successful in this role, you will have the following:
U ndergraduate degree or qualification in chemistry / biochemistry / pharmacology / toxicology or related discipline; or appropriate qualification coupled with extensive postgraduate sector experience.
5+years relevant pharmaceutical laboratory experience
Competent in the analysis and characterisation and testing of pharmaceutical compounds or similar analysis, including the use of HPLC and/or GC and/or LCMS instrumentation.
Relevant experience in a GMP environment
Relevant experience in a n ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory
Able to research and review relevant scientific literature
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Computer skills required e.g. MS Office, Chromeleon , LabSolutions
Attention to detail is essential
Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
Awareness of Te Tiriti obligations
Able to work as a member of a team, supportive of other team members and focussed on achieving team objectives
B enefits
Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments.
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)
15 days sick leave and s ervice leave provisions after fiv e 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.
Salary starts at gross $89,387 and with multiple years of experience can be up to $96,634/annum
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 ), w e 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.
PHF Science's Pharmaceutical Programme provides independent analytical services to clients from a range of sectors including local manufacturers and importers, biotechnology companies, and government clients. We perform chemical, physical, and microbiological testing of medicines, cosmetics, natural health and other pharmaceutical -like products, and we provide a secure, dedicated Stability Facility for product stability storage and testing of expiration dates. We are the primary provider of therapeutic product testing for the Ministry of Health ( Medsafe ) as part of its role in the continuous monitoring of the safety of medicines on the New Zealand market.
PHF Science's P harmaceutical P rogramme is certified by the Ministry of Health ( Medsafe ) in compliance with the New Zealand Code of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and the international Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) , and operates laboratories accredited by International Accreditation New Zealand to ISO/IEC 17025.
We are a n 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 Carbon reduce Certification.
PHF Science is an Accredited Employer, able to obtain the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Tono mai | Apply Now
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