September 23, 2024

AgResearch Careers

Wanganui

OTHER & FULL TIME

Senior Food Scientist

The role and opportunity

At Ag Research, our purpose is to use science to enhance the value, productivity, and profitability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food, and agri-technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand. We are committed to the knowledge system of mātauranga Māori on equal footing with Western science and existing structures, that have helped support positive change in farming practices and food production in Aotearoa.

We are looking for a driven and enthusiastic Senior Food Scientist or Technologist

Job Title: Senior Food Scientist

Location: Palmerston North, New Zealand

Minimum and maximum base salary: $88,173 - $120,693

Minimum guaranteed hours work per week: 40

Days Required: Monday to Friday

Number of Positions: One

Employment Type: Permanent fulltime

What you will be doing

With a sound understanding of food chemistry, food structure and food technology and how this interplay affects processing, product functionality and consumer-focused attributes, you will be connected to and work with industry stakeholders, New Zealand and international research organisations, end-users and consumers. Other duties include:

Identifying new opportunities for delivering R&D solutions of marked importance to the NZ economy.
Taking a thought leadership role across the organisation’s projects and programmes.
Leading the design and writing of funding proposals and research outputs.
Designing and leading research projects, especially those with a focus on food structure, and food proteins.
Leading food sector workshops and drive industry discussion.
Collaborating with other research institutions and with government sector representatives.

Required education and experience

Ph D degree in Food Science/Food Technology
A minimum of five years as a practicing scientist in a directly related field of science.
Project Management qualifications would be an added advantage.

Preferred capabilities and experience

Experience in the dairy science and technology field will be highly regarded however, other specialty areas are also of interest.
Food laboratory skills such as rheology, texture analysis, enzyme & microbiological transformations
Capability in food analysis techniques, e.g., PAGE, HPLC, microscopy
Experience operating in a food pilot plant environment and managing trials

We encourage applications from candidates with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori.

Our Benefits

Ag Research provide a diverse range of benefits including extensive flexible working options that help employees balance their own lifestyle and needs with their work commitments. You can view the full list here: http://www.agresearchcareers.co.nz/working-here/our-benefits/.

How to apply

This role will suit a passionate, talented, and collaborative person who is motivated to drive their career forward within this vital New Zealand organisation. If this sounds like you, apply today including a cover letter detailing your motivation for applying, your relevant skills and experience, and why you believe that you are a good fit for our role.

For further information contact Mike Weeks, Science Team Leader – Food Technology and Processing at mike.weeks@agresearch.co.nz.

Applications close: Monday, 14th October 2024.

Ag Research is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an environment that embraces, promotes and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage and welcome candidates from any background, so please don’t hesitate to apply for this position or call us to discuss this further.