44166 - Motueka Scientist - Plant & Food Research

Scientist

Epidemiology & Disease Management

Motueka, New Zealand

Fixed-term 2 years

Vacancy 44166

A bit about us

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 to improve the way they grow, fish, harvest and share food. Every day, we have 1000 people working across Aotearoa New Zealand and the world to help deliver healthy foods from the world's most sustainable systems.

What you will be doing

This is a two year fixed-term opportunity to support the team whilst the current incumbent completes a scholarship. You will lead  plant pathology research projects providing practical solutions to plant disease problems particularly for New Zealand horticultural industries.

In collaboration with members of the Auckland-based Epidemiology and Disease Management team you will develop and deliver projects , involving industry relevant applied and basic research on the identity, biology, ecology and epidemiology of plant pathogens. You will apply geospatial and biological expertise to projects relating to the ecology, pathology and biosecurity of plant diseases.

What you will need

• A Post graduate degree or undergraduate degree with equivalent experience in the field of Geospatial analytics, Plant Biology, Plant pathology, Microbiology, Ecology or similar.
• Experience with design, method development and conducting laboratory (particularly microbial, PCR and qPCR procedures) and/or field experiments with relevance to applied plant pathology research.
• Capability in the collection, analysis and reporting of scientific data appropriate to applied plant pathology research.
• Relevant computing skills with excellent data handling skills including spreadsheets, graphical and statistical packages. Geospatial analysis and software experience such as ArcGIS, Python, R will be an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship skills and ability to interact effectively with commercial clients and colleagues.
• An ability to operate within recognised safety and ethical standards to ensure personal and team safety.
•  Knowledge or experience with Te Ao Māori principles will be an advantage.
• Holder of a New Zealand driver's licence and a willingness to travel to field research sites, with the ability to stay overnight occasionally.

What you will get

The opportunity to work within a friendly, team-based environment in Motueka where you will contribute to exciting projects with an organisation that has an excellent reputation for its science and impact!  

We offer excellent employee benefits, including generous leave provisions and employer contribution to superannuation, and subsidised health insurance.