Landcare Research is New Zealand’s leading provider of solutions and advice for sustainable development and the management of land-based natural resources. We passionately believe that excellent science and its effective application can contribute significantly to the economic transformation necessary to provide a higher quality of life for New Zealanders, while also ensuring our land environments are protected and respected.

We are seeking an experienced laboratory technician to join our Biodiversity and Conservation group. This role is primarily focused on providing technical assistance for applied plant pathology and molecular biology associated with investigating weed biocontrol and diseases in native ecosystems. This will include carrying out research projects working with a range of weed targets and collar - and root-rot diseases.

You will hold a BSc in agriculture, biology, horticulture and/or molecular biology/genetics, and have experience in glasshouse and laboratory research, in particular culturing of fungi and bacteria. In addition, you will be skilled in PCR (including quantitative), DNA extraction, cloning, DNA sequencing, sequence analysis and be familiar with software programs such as Sequencher and Geneious. Experience with plant taxonomy, microbial identification, indexing of viruses, DGGE and 454T sequencing is highly desirable. You will also have excellent interpersonal skills, be highly organised, willing to meet tight deadlines and enjoy working independently and within a team environment.

The position is full-time, permanent, and based at our Tamaki site at St Johns, Auckland.

To find out more about our organisation, apply for this position, or view the Position Description please visit our website www.landcareresearch.co.nz

For specific queries, please contact Dr Sarah Dodd at dodds@landcareresearch.co.nz or Stan Bellgard at bellgards@landcareresearch.co.nz

Applications close 11:55pm, Sunday 20th May 2012.