Senior Research Officer/Research Officer (Bioengineering)

• Riddet Institute
• Office of the Provost
• Palmerston North

OP_RI_1073_12/23 
Riddet Institute
Office of the Provost
Term length: fixed-term
Hours of work: full-time

To view academic salary scales, please click here

Position Overview

The Riddet Institute is a world-best research centre in food and nutritional sciences, providing fundamental scientific understanding and training for a new generation of science leaders.  The Riddet Institute includes a Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) that integrates partner organisations (Massey University (host), Auckland and Otago Universities, AgResearch and Plant & Food Research) and disciplines. Collectively, this leads to a “NZ Inc” approach to food research (and related disciplines) and generates knowledge and capability that transforms the New Zealand food sector.

We are seeking a high-achieving researcher with a strong background in bioengineering, with an emphasis on biological systems engineering, food engineering, chemical or mechanical engineering, robotics, or mechatronics. The successful candidate will have completed a PhD in engineering and will have a strong interest in developing mechanical models of the human digestive system.

The Riddet Institute has developed in vitro models that individually simulate the behaviour of various parts of the human gastrointestinal tract in terms of food behaviour and breakdown, and nutrient absorption. One such example is the Human Gastric Simulator (HGS) , a dynamic model of the stomach. The successful candidate will undertake research and development on one or more dynamic in vitro models, including developing and testing new physical models and/or model components that are physiologically relevant for food digestion. In addition, the successful candidate will play a key role in coordination and integration of the various in vitro models that simulate gastrointestinal processes and hence allows the integrated testing of food behaviour along the gastrointestinal tract. The successful candidate will thus have practical experience and a proven track record in project management and in leading a collaborative team to achieve defined objectives. 

Skills related to effective communication and problem solving as well as the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams are required. Prior experience of developing and building mechanical systems is essential, ideally for applications in laboratory testing of biological materials. Some knowledge of human digestion physiology is desirable.

The salary range for this role is at a Research Officer/Senior Research Officer grade (for 2024), ranging from $81,172-$143,948 (NZD). Salary will depend on skills and experience. This appointment is for an initial term of three years.

Your application should include: (1) a copy of your CV, (2) a statement of your research interests and goals, (3) the names of at least two referees, (4) your university transcripts and (5) a covering letter that describes why you are the best candidate for the appointment. 

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