Ref: AGR887

Ruakura and Grasslands Campus'

The Food, Metabolism & Microbiology Section (FMM) in the Food & Textiles Group is looking to recruit 2 Senior Scientists with outstanding track records in food science and technology for milk- and/or meat-based food development. FMM has about 80 researchers in total, and is largely located at two sites: AgResearch Grasslands in Palmerston North (Rumen Microbial Genomics, Rumen Microbial Ecology & Food Nutrition Genomics teams) and AgResearch Ruakura in Hamilton (Food Safety, Meat Science and Energy & Processing teams).

One position will likely be based at AgResearch Grasslands in Palmerston North and the other position probably at AgResearch Ruakura in Hamilton. Both positions are permanent and include a three year starting package to establish strategic R&D in food science and technology. We need enthusiastic, motivated people to join our group and we offer a stimulating environment where the focus is very much on leadership, people, high performance, science outcomes and keeping it 'fun'.

Across the FMM section there is a strong capability that spans molecular nutrition to innovative food concepts. But we need to efficiently bridge the gap with food industry end-users and to further advance our R&D in the food science and technology area so that generated IP is better suited for industry uptake. Hence the overall scope of these two positions is to provide significant capability in food science and technology for AgResearch, to grow the capability needed to assist NZ food companies to develop export-focused, added-value meat- and milk-based foods and ingredients. The foods and ingredients will specifically reflect the health, lifestyle, culinary, and convenience needs of consumers, and will reduce NZ's reliance on commodity exports. Together with our collaborations in Nutrigenomics New Zealand, at the Liggins Institute (University of Auckland) and the Riddet Institute (Massey University), FMM is well placed to identify nutrients, mechanisms and effects that target key health and lifestyle drivers of consumers (cognitive development and maintenance, intestinal health and immune function, and weight management and obesity).

The people best suited to these senior positions will have a PhD or equivalent qualification in food science, food technology, food engineering, or similar. Experience will include a strong track record working in large international food companies. An exceptional understanding of the international food industry is essential, and knowledge of nutrition, biochemistry, chemistry, metabolism and health is required.

The successful candidates will have the ability to develop and lead research programmes, to collaborate with teams inside and outside of AgResearch, to work in an organised and structured manner without close supervision and to have an adaptive approach to work with the ability to manage a variety of tasks at various AgResearch sites. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.

Please apply online via our careers site www.agresearch.co.nz/careers. If you have any questions regarding this position please email Catherine Cameron, catherine.cameron@agresearch.co.nz

Applications close 17 July 2009.