Casual Animal Technician

E te kaikimi mahi, tēnā koe,

If you are a reliable and driven person, and someone who fits well within a cheerful and easy-going team, keep reading!

The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research is New Zealand’s leading independent biomedical research institute, with a focus on breakthrough discoveries in immunology and immunotherapy. We have around 160 staff committed to finding cures for diseases using the body’s own immune system. Our Biomedical Research Unit (BRU) is responsible for providing specialised rodent breeding services to the wider Institutes' research initiatives.

We are seeking an energetic and caring Casual Animal Technician to join our close-knit team in the BRU. This role would be an ideal position for someone who is looking for flexible work hours. As our new Animal Technician your role will be focused on the general maintenance, care and welfare of the animals housed in our BRU. This is an amazing opportunity to contribute to the Malaghan Institute’s ground-breaking and life-saving research.

To thrive in this role, you will be deliberate in your work and have high attention to detail. You will need to be comfortable performing physical and sometimes repetitive work. However, surrounded by energetic and interesting teammates things will always stay lively.

Ngā Pūkenga | Experience and Skills: 

It would be of a great advantage if you have experience in the following:

• Experience in animal care
• Previous experience in a scientific/highly regulated environment, particularly biomedical

Ngā Ahuatanga | Desired traits:

• Great interest in animal care
• Attention to detail, with the ability to follow a set schedule and procedures
• Hard-working attitude
• Motivation to contribute within a close, small team environment
• Physically fit, as this role requires a lot of time on your feet

Ngā Kawenga | Key Responsibilities:

• Day-to-day care of the mice: cleaning and changing boxes, monitoring animal health
• Cleaning and maintenance of equipment, ensuring all standards and procedures are followed

• Ensure provision of clean environment in and equipment for the animal rooms, including:
  • Scraping and cleaning dirty mouse and rat boxes
  • Operation of cage washer, autoclave, de-capper, bottle washer and bottle filler
  • Filling boxes and bottles, organising equipment for change days
• Maintaining accurate record keeping relating to animal provision, health and usage

• Maintaining accurate record keeping relating to animal provision, health and usage
  
• Supporting other BRU tasks as required

Ngā Painga | Benefits: 

• Flexible working hours
• Opportunities to support and engage in life-saving projects
• An extremely supportive “family” 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 personal or work challenges
• Access to a tax-free public transport card through Extraordinary pay
• An excellent location, with great offices at Victoria University in Kelburn offering a great supply of cafes and other amenities
• Earnings of $29.80 per hour

The Malaghan Institute is also an equal opportunity employer, and values diversity alongside being committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Vision Mātauranga. We support Māori health advancement in partnership with Te Urungi Māori, the Institute’s Māori advisory group, we therefore welcome Māori applicants for this role. 

How to apply | Me Pēhea te Tuku Tono

If you share the Malaghan Institute’s passion for curing disease and think you’d be a valuable addition to our BRU team, apply now by sending your cover letter and CV. Applications close Friday 23 October at 5pm for an immediate start. 

All CVs and cover letters are reviewed by humans in the Malaghan recruitment team. If you’ve taken the time to write an engaging letter directly addressing the role and the work we do, the least we can do is read it. Our promise to you is that your applications are not screened by AI. In return, we respectfully ask that no AI cover letters be submitted. 

Interviews may be held immediately should the right candidates apply, so don’t wait, tone inaianei!

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