Energy Materials Scientist

Earth Sciences NZ was established on 1 July 2025 through the merger of GNS and NIWA, with the upcoming acquisition of MetService further strengthening its capabilities. Bringing together multidisciplinary expertise and advanced technology, it will excel in earth, environmental, and natural resources science across six core missions: Geological Hazards, Weather and Climate, Energy, Land and Freshwater, Atmosphere and Climate, and Oceans.

This new entity forms part of the most significant reform to New Zealand’s science and innovation system in more than three decades, designed to create a more dynamic, collaborative, and impactful science system. Following the acquisition of MetService, Earth Sciences NZ will comprise around 1,500 staff across 22 sites, with assets of approximately $400 million and annual revenues of $370 million, including substantial commercial streams. This provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of science delivery for Aotearoa New Zealand and position the organisation as a globally recognised leader in its field. For more information, visit https://www.earthsciences.nz/.

The Role

We are looking for an Energy Materials Scientist to support the development of new materials and technologies for energy production, storage, and utilisation.

What You’ll Do

• New materials development using physical and chemical techniques.
• Liaise with industry in New Zealand to explore and develop new opportunities for Materials Science research.
• Communicate scientific research through lead authorship and co-authorship of scientific publications or reports.

What You’ll Bring

• Expertise in electrocatalytic materials, ion beam science, industrial process and new material synthesis and characterisation techniques
• Strong knowledge and experience in industrial process and experimental materials chemistry or advanced materials would be beneficial
• Practical experience in new materials and innovative technology development.
• The ability and commitment to achieve effective result and work towards or exceed agreed goals

We don't expect perfection in our candidates - if you think you have what it takes, but don't meet every point in the position description, please still get in touch!

What We Offer

• Varied, challenging and important work with talented colleagues in an organisation devoted to earth science.
• A high performing organisation with a focus on employee development and wellbeing
• Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits
• A permanent, full time (38 hours per week) role based at our campus in Gracefield, Lower Hutt.
• The salary range for this position is between $105,235 to $116,928 or more, depending on the successful candidate’s experience.

Apply now

If this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa order to be considered for this role, we are unable to endorse any application for Visas.

View the full position description for this role here - https://www.gns.cri.nz/careers/. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or queries.

Applications close: 11\.55 pm on Tuesday, 14 April 2026