Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Defence Technology Agency (DTA) is a group of 65 scientists and engineers who cover a broad range of areas. There is a desire to work collaboratively together on projects, and the agency is moving towards working at greater depth in the areas it is committed to.

The agency champions high quality collaborative science and actively encourages up-skilling staff through professional development.

A typical day in this role will see you reading up on relevant academic literature and undertake laboratory work in support of long term research tasks, generally in collaboration with partner Five Eyes (FVEY) laboratories. Some of this work may be with local academia or industry, and/or with the broader DTA team. You may also provide specialist support to uniformed personnel, providing guidance as to how to appropriately handle hazardous materials that are outside their regular experience.

You may then plan or deliver a training package or support the technical part of a training exercise, another day you may evaluate acquisition project paper work for new Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) equipment, support evaluation of equipment that is tendered, or read relevant intelligence reports to maintain situational awareness.

The role does require the ability to travel both internationally (valid passport needed) and domestically when required. You will also need a full drivers licence and be able to work in remote and arduous environments with military personnel in the air, land and maritime domains.

A combined salary range has been advertised; the remuneration offered will be dependent on skills and experience.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

The ideal person for this role would be working for a FVEY partner laboratory or NZ government laboratory. You will have a good understanding of home-made explosives and chemical and biological threats.

Key skills needed:

A broad understanding of biological, radiological materials and associated personnel protection measures. An understanding of safety considerations with these materials;
Familiarity with chemical and explosive materials and associated personnel protection measures. An understanding of safety considerations with these materials;
Ability to think fast and create or use logic and appropriate test standards across a range of topics as required (e.g. fabrics, water testing, unknown samples, propellant testing etc.); and
Strong technical skills with the ability to develop test methods, conduct test programs, examine test results and analyse key findings.
If you have the experience mentioned above you will have relevant laboratory experience which could include micro or molecular biology and/or forensics. You will be able to work with a minimum level of supervision inside and outside of a lab.

We are seeking an individual who holds a tertiary level postgraduate qualification in science with a minimum of honours (four years study including a research project) or equivalent experience, major in biology, microbiology and/or chemistry with good understanding of analytical techniques.

Mō mātou | About Us

The Platform and Protection Systems (PPS) Group is a team of approximately 15 scientists and engineers who provide science and technical support in the areas of land, sea and air vehicle engineering, materials engineering and chemistry, propulsion systems, and personnel protection including detection of and protection from CBRNE threats.

Every hour of every day, 365 days of the year, the New Zealand Defence Force is contributing to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa / New Zealand. As a modern, professional military, it is our goal to maintain well trained, equipped and disciplined armed forces that can react to crisis at short notice.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

NZDF is an inclusive organisation that is open to flexible working arrangements and welcomes applications from people regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, beliefs/opinions, or family circumstances.

In return for your expertise, dedication and hard work, NZDF is offering remuneration reflective of your experience, along with:

Great benefits for you and your family;
Fully funded life cover up to $300,000;
Access to holiday accommodation across NZ;
Discounts Handbook for selected retail, entertainment and service providers;
5 weeks annual leave per year;
Free onsite parking and great nearby amenities;
Flexible working environment and positive culture;
Opportunities for career development;
Variety, challenge and a chance to influence.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

To view the Position Description and to Apply, please use the links on this page. For further information, contact Ben Withy on 022 6292 699.

Please note:

Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
If you are an existing NZDF employee (excluding contractors) you must apply through our Internal Vacancies site, via the HR Toolkit.
Employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to work in roles in Defence Areas within the Auckland region. We are currently reviewing our Vaccination policy covering civilian employees outside of the Auckland region and will liaise with successful candidates about our policy prior to commencement.
Applications close on Tuesday, 10 May 2022.

Please note: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand (NZ) and be able to obtain and maintain the required level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for. The minimum citizenship and residency criteria for security clearances to be granted by the NZ Defence Force are as follows:

Higher level Security Clearance

most preferably a NZ citizen who has resided continuously in this country for the last 10 years, OR
is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.
If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.