Job Description
Excellent opportunity for an Entomologist to join our team as a Scientific Analyst. If you are already working at Scientist level, we would still love to hear from you.
Our Entomology Diagnostic Team, based at the Pest Laboratory in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland, is seeking a motivated and skilled professional to join us on a full-time, permanent basis.
This role is 80 hours per fortnight, with flexible weekday start times between 6am and 9am. You’ll also be part of a shared weekend roster (one weekend every 5-6 weeks, 8:30am–5pm). When rostered on a weekend, you’ll receive two weekdays off in lieu.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify invertebrates (including insects and mites, maybe nematodes) found on import/export produce, dried foodstuffs, soil, media, and other commodities.
- Screen environmental pest samples from the New Zealand dairy industry.
- Analyse invertebrate material in food forensic investigations.
- Contribute to research projects as required.
- Curate and maintain arthropod specimens within our reference collection.
Key Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Entomology, Zoology, Biology, or a related discipline, with relevant experience in entomological diagnostics, research or a related field.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing, report preparation, and presentations.
- Knowledge of entomological principles, research methods, laboratory techniques, and insect taxonomy/identification (experience desirable).
- Specialist knowledge or competence in areas such as Diptera, Thysanoptera, nematodes, or pest management would be an advantage.
Key Benefits:
- Full time permanent position based in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland.
- Work with a highly skilled and supportive scientific team.
- Flexible start times to support work-life balance.
- Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
- Contribution to meaningful work that protects New Zealand’s food systems and biosecurity.
About AsureQuality:
Everyday our experienced team of 1700+ people work alongside farmers, producers, and others throughout the food supply chain to help them uphold what Aotearoa stands for in food - a higher standard of quality and safety.
We are passionate about our shared role as Kaitiaki Kai, guardians of food, and have a deep responsibility to do the right thing for food and the environments it comes from.
We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining great people, and supporting them to be the best they can be.
Helping Aotearoa shape a better food world!
Advertising closes: 24 September 2025
