Clinical Director Microbiology

Te tūnga | The role

PHF Science is seeking an exceptional Clinical Director, Microbiology to provide authoritative scientific, clinical, technical and research leadership across clinical and public health microbiology. The role will be based at our Kenepuru site and be a minimum 0.8 FTE.

This newly created role is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally significant area of science, strengthen microbiology capability within our national Lead Public Health Laboratory and contribute directly to the health, safety and wellbeing of communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

As PHF Science’s senior clinical microbiology leader, you will provide strong and visible leadership both within the organisation and nationally. Internally, you will bring direction, coherence and professional leadership to our microbiology activities, connecting diagnostic services, public health surveillance, research and emerging technologies. You will mentor and support our people, strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration, and help build the capabilities PHF Science will need for the future.

Nationally, you will be a trusted and influential leader across clinical and public health microbiology. You will work closely with national decision-makers, clinicians, infectious disease specialists, public health physicians, laboratory leaders and research partners to support outbreak preparedness and response, surveillance of emerging infectious threats, infection prevention, antimicrobial resistance monitoring and the translation of science into policy and practice.

To be successful in this role you will:

• Provide clear scientific, clinical and professional leadership for microbiology across PHF Science.
• Serve as PHF Science’s principal microbiology expert, providing trusted and authoritative advice to clinicians, public health specialists, government agencies and other decision-makers.
• Lead and support national standards, reference and confirmatory testing, laboratory quality assurance and readiness for events of national significance.
• Provide expert interpretation of microbiological results and their clinical, epidemiological and public health implications.
• Support outbreak detection, investigation and response through timely analysis, interpretation and synthesis of microbiological and related data.
• Shape the development, evaluation and adoption of diagnostic technologies and methodologies, including molecular, genomic and other emerging approaches.
• Strengthen connections between diagnostic services, surveillance, research, policy and public health action.
• Build a credible and visible public profile, communicating microbiological issues clearly through the media, public forums and other channels.
• Represent PHF Science in inter-agency committees, advisory groups and national and international scientific networks.
• Build capability and succession through mentoring, professional development and support for emerging scientific and clinical leaders.
• Champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi and contribute to equitable public health outcomes, particularly for Māori and communities with the greatest public health needs.

Kia angitu koe | About you

You will be a recognised expert in clinical and/or public health microbiology who is ready to provide leadership at both organisational and national levels.

You will bring professional credibility, sound judgement and the ability to inspire and bring people together around a shared direction. You will be comfortable leading specialist teams, working across organisational boundaries, influencing senior decision-makers and representing PHF Science publicly.

You will combine deep technical expertise with a broad understanding of the health system. You will recognise that excellent microbiology depends not only on technical quality, but also on strong relationships, connected laboratory networks, effective communication and the translation of evidence into action. You will have the communication skills to influence across clinical, laboratory, public health, research and government settings.

You will bring:

• Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia in clinical microbiology, or equivalent.
• Vocational registration as a pathologist in clinical microbiology, a current Annual Practising Certificate, and current CPD/CME requirements.
• Significant experience in clinical and/or public health microbiology, including leadership in diagnostic service delivery.
• A record of providing effective scientific, clinical and professional leadership within a complex organisation.
• The ability to set a clear direction, build alignment and develop capability across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in a public health, national reference or equivalent specialist laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide national-level scientific leadership, including setting standards, coordinating laboratory networks or leading reference/public health laboratory functions.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 15189, accreditation, biosafety, quality systems and risk management.
• Experience in outbreak investigation, disease surveillance and/or antimicrobial resistance monitoring.
• A strong profile of ensuring new knowledge is translated into diagnostic, surveillance, clinical and policy applications and contributing to high-quality publications and presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex scientific issues to decision-makers, the media and the public.

Ngā painga | The benefits

• Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments.
• Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional PHF Science days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year's Eve)
• 15 days sick leave and service leave provisions after five years
• Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community.
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Life insurance and physical loss benefit
• Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service

Mō mātou | About Us

Established in 2025, formerly ESR, PHF Science is a New Zealand Government-owned research organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing and safety of our communities. Specialising in public health and forensic sciences, we monitor disease, help ensure safe food and water, reduce harm from drugs, support the justice system and more. Our science powers innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow.

With four locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), we use world-leading science to monitor disease, test food and products, safeguard our water, and support the justice sector. By joining forces with experts and iwi, we're tackling critical issues to ensure a better Aotearoa New Zealand for all.

We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible, and ever evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbon reduce Certification.

Tono mai | Apply Now

We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori.

If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with phfscience.recruitment@phfscience.nz

Applications close 12pm, Friday 23 October 2026

Click apply to submit your application. Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity.

We will be back in touch once advertising closes and applications have been reviewed.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

At PHF Science, the health, safety and wellbeing of our people is our highest priority. Depending on the role and exposure risks, mandatory vaccinations may include tetanus, typhoid, meningococcal, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and polio. You may need to confirm your vaccination status in accordance with health and safety advice before you commence employment. Participation in PHF Science's vaccination programme is a condition of employment for new staff. We choose to share this information early in our hiring process so candidates can make an informed choice and are happy to discuss further at interview stage if you have any questions.

PHF Science is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.

If you don't meet every requirement in this position description, please don't exclude yourself. Studies indicate that women and other individuals from under-represented groups often only apply when they satisfy all the criteria. We focus on recruiting individuals who share our core values of Mahi Rangatira (Our quality counts), Mahi tahi (our team spirit), Mahi Auaha (we push boundaries), Mahi Pono (we do the right thing). If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to submit your application.

PHF Science is committed to developing a diverse, inclusive, equitable workplace where people feel they belong. We believe this is the right thing to do, but we also believe it is a worthwhile commitment that makes our organisation stronger and more capable through building on our diversity of thinking, enabling us to better understand the needs of our stakeholders and people and respond effectively to them. An inclusive environment means the diverse perspectives we have are more likely to be expressed, heard, and acted on.

Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment.

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