Animal Technologist

E te kaikimi mahi, tēnā koe

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

We are seeking an energetic and caring Animal Technologist to join our close-knit team in the BRU. Our Biomedical Research Unit (BRU) is responsible for providing specialised rodent breeding services to the wider Institutes' research initiatives.

As our new Animal Technologist your role will be focused on the general duties of animal husbandry and specialist duties relating to the care & animal 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 permanent full time position offering 37.5 hours per week located at our Wellington facility in Kelburn.

Tohu Mātauranga / Qualifications

• BSc in Animal Science, Biomedical Science, immunology or related field

Ngā Pūkenga | Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 1 year experience in a laboratory animal environment

• Experience handling rodents and performing animal manipulations

• Experience in rodent colony management, including planning and implementing breeding schemes, maintaining breeding records and weaning pups.

Ngā ahuatanga | Desired traits

• Great interest in animal care

• Experience in a PC2 facility

• Experience working with immune compromised animals

• Experience with genotyping and sample collections

• Strong communication skills

• Excellent time management

• Skills in mentorship

• 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

• To undertake general maintenance, care and welfare of animals housed in the Biomedical Research Unit.

• Maintain accurate records relating to animal provision, health and usage in keeping with MIMR protocols.

• To periodically assess Research team requirements and report to the BRU Manager.

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

• Competent in the process of all breeding, stock, experimental and quarantine rooms including weaning, setting up breeding pairs and retaining stock / reserve breeder levels

• Familiar with identifying and managing welfare concerns in rodent colonies, with an understanding of how these relate to research protocols and animal ethics requirements

• Able to work closely with researchers to support the day-to-day planning of research tasks related to animal work or breeding tasks

• To maintain knowledge and proficiency of experimental techniques and manipulations in use within the field

• Assist other animal technicians with their duties as required.

Ngā painga | Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to ground-breaking and life-saving research.

• 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.

• 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 choice of cafes and other amenities.

• Base salary ranging from

$60,000.00 - $68,000.00 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 our passion for research, and think you’d be a valuable addition to this project, apply now by sending both your Cover Letter and CV. Applications close at 5pm on 11 November 2026 for a start date as soon as possible.

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.