Animal Technician

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 150 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 Animal Technician to join our close-knit team in the BRU.

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).

This is a full-time, permanent role working 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with the need for occasional overtime and weekend work.

Ngā Pūkenga | Experience and Skills:

It would be of 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, including flexibility to occasionally work overtime.


• Motivation to contribute within a close, small team environment.


• Physically and mentally fit, as this role requires a lot of time on your feet with profound focus.

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.


• Maintaining accurate record-keeping relating to animal provision, health and usage.


• Maintain the breeding programmes of inbred, outbred, crossbred, immune-deficient and transgenic mouse strains as directed.


• Supporting other BRU tasks as required.

Ngā Painga | Benefits:

• Opportunities to support and engage in life-saving projects.


• An extremely supportive and friendly 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.


• An excellent location, with great offices at Victoria University in Kelburn offering a great supply of cafes and other amenities.


• Base salary from $58K per annum depending on experience.

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. 

Me Pēhea te Tuku Tono | How to apply:
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 at 5pm on 14 May 2026 for an immediate start. Interviews will be held throughout should the right candidate apply, so don’t wait, tone inaianei!

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