Senior Scientist/Scientist

AgResearch; Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 77,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in New Zealand is seeking a Scientist/Senior Scientist to join their Rumen Microbiology team. This pivotal role focuses on unraveling microbial interactions to enhance animal productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Ideal candidates will hold a PhD and possess strong expertise in microbiology, genomics, and bioinformatics. You will contribute to groundbreaking research and play a key role in driving innovation in the agri-food sector.

Qualifications

• Experienced in microbiology or molecular biology research.
• Strong peer-reviewed publication record.
• Knowledge of NZ pastoral agriculture industries.

Responsibilities

• Integrate genomic and meta-genomics data for rumen research.
• Contribute to research on mitigating methane emissions.
• Lead funding proposals for significant research projects.

Skills

Research and development

Microbiology

Bioinformatics

Genomics

Molecular biology

Education

PhD degree in Microbiology or Microbial Bioinformatics

Job description

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Company description:

At AgResearch, our purpose is to use science to enhance the value, productivity, and profitability of New Zealand's pastoral, agri-food, and agri-technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand. We are committed to the knowledge system of mātauranga Māori on equal footing with Western science and existing structures, that have helped support positive change in farming practices and food production in Aotearoa.

Job description:

The role and opportunity
We have an opportunity for a Scientist/Senior Scientist to join our fantastic Rumen Microbiology who are focussed on research to unravel the biology and complex interactions of the anaerobic microorganisms in the rumen, with the ultimate aim of improving animal productivity and reducing their environmental impact. As part of this team, you will join world-class scientists and will contribute to the development of hypotheses stemming from genomic analyses with functional characterisation of microbes and associations with other rumen microorganisms.

Job Title: Scientist/Senior Scientist
Location: Palmerston North
Minimum and maximum base salary: $77,924 - $147,663
Minimum guaranteed hours of work: 40
Days Required: Monday to Friday
Employment Type: Permanent


What you will be doing
* Integrate genomic and meta-genomics data streams together with a collection of microbial cultures to develop a better understanding of the function of rumen microbes.
* Contribute to research programmes aimed at mitigation of enteric methane emissions, but you will also be encouraged to identify how the function of rumen microbes can improve the quality and value of ruminant-derived food and products.
* Identify new opportunities for delivering R&D solutions of marked importance to the NZ economy, which have direct commercial application and/or are of high strategic importance for advancing scientific knowledge and theory.
* Initiate, lead and contribute to successful funding proposals that attract significant revenue and offer solutions to existing and new customers.
* Anticipate and respond to trends in area of expertise by informing the business around trends, new initiatives and opportunities which could impact on strategic objectives and business planning.
* Contribute to high quality research outputs and achievement of project milestones within budgets.


Your ideal background
* PhD degree in Microbiology or Microbial Bioinformatics
* Proven track record of research and development in microbiology or molecular biology, preferably including one or more of bioinformatics, genomics, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, molecular ecology.
* Excellent track record of peer-reviewed publication record in high impact scientific journals.
* Knowledge and interest in New Zealand pastoral agriculture industries.
* Uses scientific methodologies for all research, including literature searching; hypothesis-based experimental design and statistical analysis.
* Follows rigorous development and documentation procedures for research protocols.
* Has a clear understanding of the principles behind intellectual property.
* Knowledge of anaerobic ecosystems, ability to culture microorganisms (especially anaerobes), and knowledge of the rumen and its biology are all desirable but not essential additional skills.


How to apply

This role will suit a passionate, talented and collaborative person who is motivated to drive their career forward within this vital New Zealand organisation. If this sounds like you, apply today using the link, including a cover letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this position.

For further information please contact Steve Archer [e-mail]

To view the full position description for this role, please paste this link in your browser https://careerpdfs.agresearch.co.nz/pdfs/PositionDescriptionScientist_Senior_Scientist_May25_SA.pdf

To apply click on the apply button below.

Applications close: 9 July 2025

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