The role and opportunity

AgResearch has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Food Scientist to join our Food Chemistry & Structure team on a full-time, permanent basis. Based in our Te Ohu Rangahau Kai building on the Massey Campus in Palmerston North, you will play a leading role in science projects in areas relevant to the New Zealand and international food and beverage landscape.

What you will be doing

You will be connected to and work with industry stakeholders, New Zealand and international research organisations, end-users and consumers. You will have a sound understanding of food structure and food chemistry and how these interplay to affect food processing and food digestion. There is an expectation that you will initiate and develop research proposals, and play a lead role in the design and implementation of transdisciplinary research programmes. You will also:

• Identify new opportunities for delivering R&D solutions of marked importance to the NZ economy
• Take a thought leadership role across the organisation’s projects and programmes
• Lead the design and writing of funding proposals and research outputs
• Design and lead research projects, especially those with a focus on food structure and food proteins
• Lead food sector workshops and drive industry discussion
• Collaborate with other research institutions and with government sector representatives

Your ideal background

You will be well-connected with industry stakeholders and have a sound understanding of the challenges that are currently faced in the food industry. You will also have:

• A Ph.D. degree in food science, protein chemistry or other relevant disciplines
• Experience in the planning, delivery and implementation of scientific research
• A proven record of initiating, leading and delivering research and development in food science with a national reputation and at least 10 years of relevant post-graduate scientific experience
• Excellent peer-reviewed publication record in high impact scientific journals (guideline >40 publications, h-index >20)
• Proven experience and success with competitive funding processes.
• Use scientific methodologies for all research, including literature searching, hypothesis-based experimental design and statistical analysis
• Proven ability to build research networks and research collaborations (national and international)
• Knowledge and interest in the New Zealand food & beverage sector
• Follow rigorous development and documentation procedures for research protocols
• A clear understanding of the principles behind intellectual property
• A keen attitude and motivation to work in an innovative environment
• Ability to work autonomously while being part of a collaborative team
• Demonstrates safe workplace behaviour by taking all practicable steps to ensure own and other's safety in the workplace

Our benefits

When your work environment fits your values and your lifestyle, it is a better place to be. Our campuses are green, open, and developing, allowing you to enjoy your work and be productive at the same time – we offer flexibility (work from home, flexible hours) and generous benefits to make sure our people feel supported and enjoy being part of the AgResearch team