44493 - Scientist – Plant Physiology (Two Positions) - Plant & Food Research

Scientist - Plant Physiology (Two Positions Available)

Temperate Tree Physiology

Motueka and Hawke's Bay

Vacancy number 44493

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

You will be conducting research on the optimisation of fruit production and enhancement of fruit quality in apples and pears, with collaborative opportunities in stonefruit and other perennial crops. You will contribute to applied and fundamental research programmes on crop physiology and its interaction with environment, to develop innovative, sustainable production technologies. You will be part of research programmes based in New Zealand and offshore.  You will work in a team well known in this area of research and having strong links with breeding, molecular genomics, plant architectural development and modelling, postharvest science, bioengineering, and production foot printing.

What you will need

To be successful in this role, you will have a PhD in plant sciences, horticulture or plant physiology, with an proven ability and experience in plant science research from both an applied and fundamental perspective.  A sound publication record will be an advantage.  You will have experience with and a broad understanding of plant production and fruit production systems, preferably in temperate fruit crops.  You will have an organised and methodical approach to tasks, with excellent attention to detail.  You will have sound knowledge of experimental process, along with laboratory and instrumental experience relevant to crop physiology. You will be a collaborative researcher, with experience in building and maintaining excellent working relationships with a diverse range of people, including with growers and other clients. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and flexibility to work outside normal working hours according to seasonal demands will be essential.

What you will get

The opportunity to work within a friendly, team-based environment where you will contribute to exciting projects with an organisation that has an excellent reputation for its science and impact!  The Hawke's Bay and Motueka sites are modern state-of-the-art research facilities, situated in the heart of New Zealand's apple and pear growing regions. Each site has 60-80 staff working across a range of disciplines applicable to the New Zealand's horticultural industries.

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