55920 Research Associate - Postharvest Science - Plant & Food Research

Research Associate
Postharvest Science
Mt Albert, New Zealand
Vacancy number: 55920
Permanent fulltime (38 hours per week)

The Postharvest Science Team provides a wide range of outcomes to the horticultural fresh food industries in New Zealand. Working within our Postharvest Science Team, this role will support research aiming to understand postharvest responses of fruit and vegetables, improve fruit quality and ensure access to international markets. 

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua
You will be assisting with project planning, experimental establishment and management, data collection, data management and data analysis. You will also be contributing to the preparation of client reports and research articles. This role also involves lab/facilities management as well as setup, safe use of and basic maintenance of HVAC, mechanical and electrical experimental equipment including coolstores, controlled atmosphere equipment and fruit treatment systems such as brush beds, high pressure washers, hot water treatment systems and x-ray irradiations systems.  Skills and aptitude for engineering operations would be a significant advantage.

What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako
At a minimum you will have a BSc degree in horticulture or plant sciences with practical experience in storage, ripening and disinfestation operations or a trade qualification with significant technical/R&D experience related to the fruit or vegetable industries. A broad understanding of plant and fruit physiology and some understanding of the New Zealand fruit or vegetable industries is desirable. Ability to work unsupervised and take initiative is essential. A current driver's licence and flexibility to work outside normal working hours if necessary are needed.  

A copy of the Position Description is available for you to view once you click on the 'apply' button.

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 which 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 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
• Flexible work - work from home and flexible hours
• Auckland based onsite childcare and subsidised cafeteria

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.