Frequently Asked Questions

What's available? 

Do you advertise all your positions here?
Yes we do, from science positions to technical and support positions. All our recruitment is run through our on-line Career Centre.

I am a student and am looking for work during my vacations. What opportunities are available?
Every summer we run a student summer internship programme which is open to all New Zealand resident students.
More information about this programme will be available here from August 2008.
Scion also has a scholarship available for young women in New Zealand who wish to pursue a career in science. Holiday work is included in this scholarship. 

I am a student and am looking for an internship. What opportunities are available?
Scion frequently supports students who need to complete an internship as part of their study programme and we welcome students who can obtain funding to support them during this time. Please apply through the Career Centre if you would like to express interest in applying for an internship.
Additionally, every summer we run a student summer internship programme which is open to all New Zealand resident students. More information about this programme will be available here from August 2008.

I would like to do a Masters or PhD, what opportunities does Scion offer?
Scion, in collaboration with NZ Universities, supports Masters and PhD students in their applications for scholarship funding e.g. Bright Futures. Scion can also provide projects and supervision for top students. For more information email our Human Resources team in the first instance: careers@scionresearch.com  or phone + 64 (0) 7 343 5874.

What scholarships do you offer?

• Post Doctoral Fellowship
  The Scion Postdoctoral Fellowship' is viewed as being as held in the same prestige as FRST (Foundation for Research Science and Technology) and Agmardt Fellowships. We welcome applications from top science candidates. Please visit the Career Centre for more information about this opportunity and to apply online.
• Suffrage Scholarship
  Created in 1993 as part of New Zealand's centennial suffrage celebrations, the Scion Suffrage Scholarship has helped 13 young local girls to date achieve their science ambitions.
  Commencing in September of each year, we offer a the Scion Suffrage Scholarship which is open to senior female students resident in Rotorua attending secondary school in the Bay of Plenty region.
  Applicants must intend undertaking an undergraduate course in pure or applied sciences, which would benefit the forestry or biomaterials industries. Proposed study could include biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics and horticulture.
  The successful candidate receives a contribution of $2,000 towards tuition fees. In addition she will have an offer of summer vacation work for the duration of her undergraduate studies.
  Further information about our Suffrage Scholarship will be available here from September 2008. If you would like further information in advance, please contact Jane Hope, Communications Adviser. Email jane.hope@scionresearch.com  or phone (07) 343 5722.

Stage One - Applying for a position

How do I apply?
Scion manages recruitment on-line through this website. You will need a valid email address to complete an on-line application. Just click on the Career Centre' pages and follow the instructions. It's easy!

Where can I get more information?
In the first instance, email our Human Resources team: careers@scionresearch.com  or phone + 64 (0) 7 343 5874.

Can I submit a hard copy application?
We prefer you to submit applications on-line but if you are unable to do so, please contact the Human Resources team on + 64 (0) 7 343 5874, email: careers@scionresearch.com  for further guidance.

I am not from New Zealand and don't have a work permit for New Zealand can I apply for a position?
Yes, Scion welcomes applicants from all over the world, although, in some instances we are obliged to recruit from within New Zealand. However, as many of our roles are very specialised, candidates from overseas can offer experience and skills that are in short supply in New Zealand. Note, Scion is an Accredited Employer with Immigration New Zealand. Please contact the Human Resources team on + 64 (0) 7 343 5874, email: careers@scionresearch.com , for further guidance.

Who has access to my information once I have submitted an application?
Scion is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all applicants. The team manager who is hiring, the interview panel and our Human Resources staff are the only people who will view your information.
In some instances certain information on the application form is categorised as sensitive, including the section on criminal convictions. This information will not be disclosed to anyone unless you are short listed for an interview, or the information is directly relevant to your ability to perform the role.
 

How long will it take to hear back about my application?
Our aim is to respond to candidates as quickly as possible and in most instances, we will have shortlisted for a position within two weeks of advertising closing. Once we have identified our shortlist, we will be in contact via email to let you know whether your application has been taken to the next stage.

Will you keep me informed of how my application is going?
Yes, you will receive regular updates via email as long as you have a valid email address, which you will need to create prior to applying for a job through our on-line Careers Centre. You can create one for free through a number of sites including www.hotmail.com  or www.gmail.com. We will email you once we have received your application and then will keep in touch via email on a regular basis, to keep you updated on the recruitment process.

Do you pay relocation costs for people recruited from overseas?
We have a relocation package that we can offer to staff that we recruit from overseas, depending on circumstance. This also includes two weeks' accommodation that we will organise and pay for, upon your arrival in New Zealand.

I am a contractor but the position I am interested in is for a full-time permanent employee would you consider a contractor?
Where we have advertised for a full-time, permanent employee then it is our preference to recruit to those specifications. However, if we are unable to find an ideal candidate then we are open to exploring other options. If you would like to be considered for the role in any kind of capacity then you must submit an application.

Do I need to supply references with my application?
No, not at the point of application. If you are selected as our preferred candidate and once we have your permission, we will contact two of your referees. Ideally, one should be your current employer.

I don't want my current employer to be contacted without me knowing first and giving my permission. How can I make sure you don't do this?
You do not need to supply referees until specifically asked for them and we will never contact your referees without your permission first.

What should my CV look like?
Your CV should provide a short overview of your skills and experience. Outline in your CV exactly how you fit the criteria as outlined in the job description and job advertisement. Usually this means re-writing your CV to suit the specific position advertised.

If you require help with creating your CV assistance can be obtained from Work and Income New Zealand www.winz.govt.nz or visit www.seek.co.nz and click on the Career Resources Page, then on the Job Search Strategies link for tips on CV writing and interview skills.

I have already submitted my application but forgot some important information. How do I update my application and CV on your Careers Centre site?
Once you have registered with our Careers Centre, you will receive a unique login. You can log onto our recruitment website at any time and change, delete or update your details at anytime right up until the advertised position closing date.

Stage Two Being Interviewed

I've been shortlisted what now?
You will be invited to attend an interview with a panel of our staff. We aim to give candidates at least one week's notice of the interview. Interviews take between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the level of the role being recruited to. Scion uses a behavioural-based interview format with questions based on the technical and role competencies outlined in the position description. For more senior or critical roles, we complete two interviews.

If I am shortlisted for an interview, what type of interview questions do you ask?
At Scion we use behavioural-based interview questions. In this style of interview, we will ask you to provide us with examples of how you have demonstrated the core competencies being sought, in your previous job or current situation. Click here for a booklet about behavioural-based interviewing.

What is the interview process/format?
Our interview panel is made up of: the manager of the advertised role; an HR representative, and usually one other person who is a specialist in the area being recruited for. If the advertised position is a support role, then there may be a representative from one of our science teams on the panel.
Interviews take between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the level of the role being recruited to. Scion uses behavioural-based interview format with questions based on the technical and role competencies outlined in the position description. Click here for a booklet about behavioural-based interviewing. For more senior or critical roles, we complete two interviews.

I am overseas how can I be interviewed?
For overseas candidates we will complete a phone interview. If a second interview is required, then we will set up a video-conference for this. We do not fly candidates to New Zealand for the purpose of an interview.

I have a new job since I last registered my CV on your site. How do I update my application and CV as my skills and experience change?
Once you have registered with our Careers Centre, you will receive a unique login. You can log onto our recruitment website at any time and change, delete or update your details at anytime even after you have submitted an application form right up until the advertised position closing date.