Lead Technologist – Genomics - Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora | School of Biological Sciences

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The School of Biological Sciences is seeking an experienced genomics professional to lead the scientific and operational delivery of Auckland Genomics.

Auckland Genomics is a core research platform, providing next-generation sequencing, genomics and related technical expertise to researchers from the University of Auckland and the wider research community.

As Lead Technologist, you will lead a small team of specialist staff and oversee the day-to-day operation and continued development of the facility. You will work closely with researchers to understand their scientific questions, design appropriate experimental approaches and deliver high-quality genomics services.

This is a hands-on leadership role. Alongside managing people and facility operations, you will contribute directly to complex genomics projects, introduce new methods and technologies, and help shape the future capability of Auckland Genomics.

In this role, you will:

• Lead, support and develop the Auckland Genomics technical team.
• Provide expert advice to researchers on experimental design, sample requirements, sequencing approaches and project feasibility.
• Design and deliver projects involving next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics, genotyping and related genomic technologies.
• Maintain high standards of scientific quality, reproducibility, documentation and customer service.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and develop new or bespoke methods in response to researchers’ needs.

This is a full-time permanent role (37.5 hours per week)

The salary range is $98,700 to $121,900 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will be an experienced genomics scientist or technical specialist who combines strong scientific judgement with practical laboratory expertise and effective people leadership.

You will be comfortable discussing a research question with an academic or external client, translating it into a technically robust sequencing project, and guiding your team through its successful delivery. You will also understand the operational requirements of running a busy shared research facility, including workflow planning, quality systems, equipment management, budgets and competing client priorities.

Our preferred candidate will have:

• A PhD in molecular biology, genomics or a related discipline, or significant equivalent relevant experience
• Substantial post-qualification experience in genomics, including experience providing specialist advice and technical support at a senior level.
• Demonstrated expertise in next-generation sequencing library preparation and associated molecular biology workflows.
• Experience operating, troubleshooting and maintaining high-value genomics instrumentation.
• Strong knowledge of experimental design, quality control and the technical factors affecting sequencing outcomes.
• Experience leading, supervising or mentoring technical or scientific staff.
• Strong communication and relationship-management skills, including the ability to work effectively with researchers from varied disciplines and levels of technical experience.
• Bioinformatics skills (e.g., bash scripting, sequencing QC; familiarity with High performance computing such as NESI/REANNZ advantageous)
• A proactive approach to developing new methods, improving workflows and responding to changes in sequencing technology.

Experience with a range of short-read, long-read, single-cell and high-throughput genomic technologies would be advantageous. Experience contributing to facility budgets, cost-recovery models, equipment procurement or business cases would also be valuable.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 23rd September 2026, and should include:

• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the key requirements.
• A current curriculum vitae.

Please reach out to the Technical Manager Jo Dodd at jr.dodd@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.