Senior Applied AI Scientist

Te tūnga | The role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced AI researcher to join our talented team.

Are you looking for role where you can make a difference in the forensic and public health sector in New Zealand? As a Senior Applied AI Scientist, you will deliver cutting edge data science- and AI-driven solutions using innovative techniques, build national and international collaborations, as well as lead and manage research and/or commercial projects. To ensure this work is impactful, you will be an effective communicator telling meaningful science stories to a range of audiences, through presentations, reports, papers, visualisations and other outputs.

You will work closely with the Data Science Lead, PHF Science domain experts, external partners and stakeholders on applying AI and machine learning to solve practical and research problems in areas relevant to PHF Science.

You will also contribute towards development of PHF Science’s advanced technology capabilities through efforts such as mentoring junior team members or students and preparation and delivery of trainings, seminars and discussions on state-of-the-art machine learning and AI research and their applications to areas of relevance to PHF Science strategic directions.

Our preference is for this position to be based at our Christchurch Science Centre; however we are open to candidates being based at either of our Auckland or Wellington Science Centres and we offer a hybrid working environment if desirable.

Kia angitu koe | About you

To be successful in this role, you will have the following:

• A Ph.D or equivalent industry experience in Computer Science, Compute Engineering, Software Development or Data Science related field.

• At least seven years of experience in applied Machine Learning/Deep Learning research.

• Knowledge and experience in Agent-based simulation, AI Planning, Multi-objective Optimisation and/or Operations Research.

• Strong foundations in statistics.

• Demonstrated experience in working with data for the purpose of drawing out data insights, model development and analytics.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and deploying machine learning models and workflows in production environments.

• Track record of writing and publishing research publications on AI and data science research.

• Proficiency in programming languages and tools used in machine learning and Data Science such as Python, R, Scikit-Learn and PyTorch.

• Experience in using modern tools and framework, such as Git for developing, managing and deploying software and applications.

• Excellent problem solving and trouble shooting skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Knowledge and experience working with public cloud computing platforms such as MS Azure,Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud.

• Knowledge and experience working with Snowflake or other data warehousing and management solutions.

• R&D experience in areas that are relevant to public health (e.g., human, environmental, climate change) and/or forensic is a plus.

• A drive and passion to solve real-world problems and deliver real outcomes and impact to New Zealand’s community through a R&D role.

As well as the technical skills, it is equally as important that you are a team player, with strong communication skills and someone who naturally steps up to coach, mentor and supervise those with less experience (including the supervision of students).

Ngā painga | The benefits

• Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments

• The equivalent of 5 weeks holidays

• 15 days sick leave per year 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

PHF Science (formerly ESR) is a New Zealand Public Research Organisation (PRO) dedicated to the health, safety and wellbeing of our communities.

We provide expert leadership, research and science services to enhance our public health and justice systems, and power 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), our work means New Zealanders can feel confident that disease outbreaks and environmental risks to health are monitored and managed, and the impact of drug harm in the community is reduced and we live in a society where justice is supported by trustworthy evidence.

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 Carbonreduce 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 [email protected]

Applications close: 12PM Tuesday 18 August 2026

Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity.

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and will be in touch once advertising.

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.

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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