54820 Technician/Research Associate - Plant & Food Research

Technician/Research Associate
Germplasm Conservation
Premium Crops and Technologies
Palmerston North Research Centre
Vacancy number: 54820
Range 3/4

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua
Working alongside the Germplasm Program Leader and team, you will provide technical input and support to the in vitro research, propagation, maintenance, conservation and delivery of plants. Additional responsibilities include supporting the management of the in vitro and greenhouse growing germplasm collections at Palmerston North, and supporting users seeking plants from these collections. There will be a need to assist in germplasm sample tracking and true to type testing using molecular fingerprinting technologies. A significant portion of the work will be undertaken in containment facilities on kiwifruit. Your ability to work collaboratively and to build and maintain good working relationships will be invaluable to developing, writing, implementing and following SOPs for various processes involved in germplasm conservation. This will include undertaking the acquisition, database management, inventory sample tracking and development of efficient in vitro conservation techniques.

What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako

• An undergraduate degree and at least two years relevant experience, or a postgraduate degree in plant based research with knowledge of or proven experience in plant science
• Sound knowledge and experience in plant tissue culture and molecular techniques e.g., DNA extraction, PCR etc.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, database management
• A good understanding of New Zealand's Biosecurity and Biological Safety Compliance regulations relevant to the handling of kiwifruit plant material (training can be provided)
• Flexibility to work outside normal hours from time to time according to seasonal demand
• Full New Zealand drivers licence is essential

What you will get | Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga
The opportunity to work within a friendly, team based environment and to contribute to exciting projects with an organisation that has an excellent reputation for its science and being a great place to work!

At PFR, we offer excellent employee benefits and flexibility, such as;

• Four weeks annual leave, additional 7 days' leave and generous paid parental leave
• Excellent benefit choices in retirement savings and wellbeing & health
• Focus on health and wellbeing with enhanced sick leave
• Ongoing career development opportunities

About us | Ko wai mātou
At Plant & Food Research, Rangahau Ahumāra Kai, 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, prepare and share kai. 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. We are on our journey towards becoming a meaningful and trusted partner to Māori, promoting the weaving of Mātauranga Māori and science to create growth and success for all of Aotearoa, New Zealand.