Senior Technician – Marine Biology - Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora | School of Biological Sciences

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora - The School of Biological Sciences is seeking a highly motivated and capable laboratory and field Technician to provide teaching and research support to the city campus and field trip activities. These field activities include research trips as well as undergraduate day and residential field trips to a range of exciting locations.

The successful candidate will take on a varied role contributing to field and laboratory research, and supporting teaching and postgraduate study, with a focus on marine biology. You will enjoy working collaboratively and be skilled at communicating in writing and verbally with staff and students. You will also be able to work independently, have strong resilience, attention to detail combined with sound judgment skills and a strong focus on achieving solutions.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in fulfilling our vision and leading the work we do to ensure the principles of Te Tiriti and manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and kaitiakitanga are embedded in our work environment.

There are three main duties to this role:

• To provide specialist support to the marine biology research and teaching team by bringing strong technical expertise and practical skills in the field and laboratory facilities.
• To apply technical knowledge to the operation of seawater facilities and marine vessels and ensure their ongoing compliance with health and safety, containment, and ethics regulations.
• To support boating and dive operations within the School.

This is a full-time permanent role (37.5 hours per week)

The remuneration is $73,400 – $90,700 per annum, dependent on skills and experience

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Faculty of Science’s Technical Services Team comprises over 100 technical staff providing specialist support to the Faculty’s academic staff and students across 9 of the 10 Departments. They contribute technical knowledge and expertise to research and teaching activities while ensuring the ongoing operation and compliance of a vast range of laboratories, workshops, teaching facilities, research equipment, vehicles and boats.

This position primarily supports Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora/the School of Biological Sciences (SBS). SBS currently employs 150 academic staff, with over 160 research students and 1000 undergraduate and coursework students, incorporating diverse research activities organised into three key discipline areas: Biomedical and Human Biology; Cellular, Molecular and Physiological Biology; and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. SBS is home to the University of Auckland’s first and oldest Tuākana programme (est. 1991).

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are looking for someone with a Post-graduate degree in Marine Biology, Ecology or other relevant field, as well as 5+ years practical field work and outdoors experience including data collection and completing research.

Our preferred candidate will have:

• Scientific expertise in marine biology or related field.
• PADI Rescue Diver certification and boat handling/skipper qualifications.
• Practical experience with health & safety compliance in a research and teaching environment, particularly in outdoor/field-based activities.
• Excellent time management, and organisation skills in planning and managing field trips for large groups.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to provide accurate record keeping.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave and 37.5 hour working week
• Gender-neutral parental leave policy, including up to 9 weeks’ full pay
• On-site, discounted childcare centres (including Kōhanga Reo)
• Confidential access to a range of EAP services, including mental health counselling, financial guidance, neurodiversity coaching and rongoā services.

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 9th August 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Michelle Roper via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.