48921 Research Associate – Plant & Food Research

Climate Smart Systems

Lincoln, New Zealand

Vacancy number 48921

Salary Range: $61,300 to $91,950

Permanent Full Time

Are you looking to build your science career in a critical part of environmental and sustainability management?  Open to graduates and those with several years experience, this is a great opportunity to be mentored and grow your capability in understanding farming systems to mitigate nutrient loss to the environment, assessing land use suitability in a changing climate, leading to improved farm and land management practices.

What you will be doing Ngā whāinga matua

You will provide technical support and expertise for research on production and sustainable land management initiatives, primarily for the arable and forage crop sectors.  This varied role will see you

• Contributing to planning, coordination and management of research projects
• Collecting, collating and analysing field and laboratory research data
• Preparing written material for inclusion in client reports or research papers

What you will bring Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako

To be successful in this role, you will have

• A Bachelors or Masters degree (or equivalent), with a strong soil science component. An emphasis on soil physics/ soil environmental physics/ soil mechanics would be advantageous
• Preferably at least 2-3 years relevant practical experience, ideally managing research trials, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting this information to peers and clients
• An emphasis on technical aspects of soil physical measurements, including electronic sensors/dataloggers would be a distinct advantage
• A good understanding of experimental procedures and practices, especially in soil physics, and including knowledge of basic statistical procedures and experimental design
• Must be fit, in good health and able to perform a range of manual tasks, including physically demanding field work

What you will get Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga

The opportunity to work within a friendly, team based environment that encourages and supports work-life balance, and to contribute to exciting projects with an organisation who has an excellent reputation for its science and for being a great place to work!  At PFR, we offer excellent employee benefits and flexibility, such as;

• Additional 6 days leave and other generous leave entitlements
• Flexible work – work from home and flexible hours
• Ongoing development and excellent career opportunities
• The option of subsidised health insurance and additional employer superannuation contribution

About us Ko wai mātou

At Plant & Food Research, we believe science can create a better future. By finding smarter, greener options today, we’re helping secure the world we want to live in tomorrow. With our partners, we use world-leading science and technology to improve the way they grow, fish, harvest, create, preserve and share food. Every day, we have 1000 people working across Aotearoa New Zealand and the world to help develop and deliver healthy foods from the world’s most sustainable food systems.