Te tūnga | The role
An exciting opportunity exists for a Scientist to join the Radiation Safety team within PHF Science's National Centre for Radiation Science. This position is based at the Kenepuru Science Centre in Porirua.
The role involves applying scientific, technical, and regulatory expertise to support the delivery of technical services including radioactive waste management, compliance monitoring, radiation safety advice, and emergency preparedness and response.
Key responsibilities include:
Conducting radiation safety inspections and compliance monitoring activities throughout New Zealand.
Providing technical and regulatory advice to government agencies, industry stakeholders, and users of ionising radiation.
Supporting the operation of the National Radiation Storage Facility (NRSF).
Preparing scientific, technical, and regulatory reports.
Supporting radiological emergency preparedness and participating in a 24/7 emergency response on-call roster.
Delivering training, consultancy, and outreach activities.
Contributing to NCRS projects, programmes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
This role requires regular travel throughout New Zealand, including periods away from home of up to one week at a time. Occasional international travel may also be required.
Kia angitu koe | About you
You will have a strong scientific background, sound judgement, and the ability to communicate complex technical information to a wide range of audiences.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
A tertiary qualification in science, engineering, medical physics, health physics, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
At least five years' experience in radiation safety, radiation protection, health physics, medical physics, or a closely related field.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
Current full New Zealand driver's licence.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Use Licence and appointment as an Enforcement Officer under the Radiation Safety Act 2016 following training.
Desirable Experience
Regulatory compliance, inspection, auditing, or enforcement activities.
Radiological emergency management or incident response.
Development and delivery of training programmes.
Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
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 4 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…