Senior Staff Scientist

E te kaikimi mahi, tēnā koe,

We’re excited to share that the Flow Cytometry Core Facility at the Malaghan Institute is recruiting a Senior Staff Scientist to join our team in the Hugh Green Technology Centre (HGTC).

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 over 140 staff committed to finding cures for diseases using the body’s own immune system. 

We’re looking for someone with strong experience in spectral Cytometry, who is confident across various analysis software platforms, and who ideally brings direct experience in cell sorting. The role is focused on supporting our researchers and the broader research community with everything from expert cell sorting and panel design, to experimental planning and troubleshooting, through to training and mentoring scientists across all levels of experience.

This is a hands-on, platform ownership role where you'll be responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of our core instruments, including cell sorters. You’ll oversee biosafety and waste management, routine QC, performance checks, and troubleshoot both instrument and experimental issues. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, alongside the ability to work independently while contributing to a friendly and collaborative team environment. There will be plenty of opportunities to engage with internal and external collaborators, present at scientific meetings, and contribute to publications through generation of high-quality Cytometry data.

 This is a 3-year full-time position, available through to August 2028, with a start date in October 2025.

Ngā pūkenga | Experience and Skills:

• BSc in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or similar.


• At least five years’ experience in spectral Cytometry.


• Confident across various analysis software platforms, ideally bringing direct experience in cell sorting.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team.


• Some knowledge of procurement processes.


• Experience analysing and communicating scientific results.

Ngā Ahuatanga | Desired traits:

• Hard-working, a true passion for science research.


• Cooperative and friendly team member.


• Clear communicator, both written and oral.


• Detail-focussed, including careful record keeping.

Ngā Kawenga | Key Responsibilities:

• Solely responsible for the operation and upkeep of a core flow Cytometry technology platform.


• Maintaining high biosafety and regulatory standards in the cell sorting lab.


• Troubleshooting instruments, scheduling and coordinating service visits, liaising with service engineers, managing service records and performance reports & ordering new equipment.


• Developing and delivering training programs for flow Cytometry users, with a focus on cell acquisition, spectral analysis, and cell sorting.


• Creating and updating user manuals, SOPs, and online educational resources.


• Promoting uptake of Cytometry technologies through journal clubs and dissemination of relevant scientific literature.


• Assisting researchers with experimental design, panel optimisation, and data interpretation & recommending follow-up experiments based on data insights.


• Independently supporting internal research groups in generating publication-quality data.


• Managing external and internal client relationships at a technical level including communicating instrument availability, capabilities, and booking logistics.


• Representing HGTC at national meetings by giving talks or presenting posters to raise visibility and promote services.


• Ensure the lab complies with all relevant health & safety and regulatory standards.


• Support the CTO and Head of Cytometry in identifying areas for platform development or service expansion.


• Proactively stay current by attending workshops, conferences, and seminars, and applying new knowledge to HGTC services. Share relevant insights from conferences and reading with research staff.

Ngā Painga | Benefits:

• Opportunity to contribute to a ground-breaking and life-saving project.

• A supportive team 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 choice of cafes and other amenities.


• Base salary from $93,000 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 think you would be a great asset to our high-performing RNA Platform, apply now, by sending both your Cover Letter and CV. Applications close 27 June 2025 for a start date in October 2025. 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.