Research Associate - Fruit Crops Physiology - Plant & Food Research
Perks & Benefits:
Research Associate
Fruit Crops Physiology
Havelock North, New Zealand
Vacancy number: 57702
Permanent fulltime (38 hours per week)
This role offers a unique opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge research in plant and fruit physiology, combining fieldwork with lab-based analysis. You'll be actively involved in innovative experiments, collaborating with a passionate team, and contributing to advancing the science of fruit production.
What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua
You will assist in designing, operating, and maintaining experiments (co-leading where applicable) and collecting, curating, and analysing plant and fruit physiological data. Your tasks will involve propagating perennial fruit trees, managing orchard and lab experiments, and maintaining technical equipment. You will contribute to formal reports with technical observations and data analyses, manage materials such as apple and pear trees, and ensure plant health through correct application of agrichemicals and fertilisers.
What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako
To be successful in this role, the minimum qualifications required are:
- A formal qualification in horticulture, biological sciences or equivalent is required: Either a Degree with at least two years of relevant practical experience, or a post-graduate qualification (i.e. Masters).
- Practical horticultural experience, including fruit production systems and plant husbandry skills, is an advantage.
- Knowledge of trial design, sampling, data collection/collation/analysis and good laboratory practice.
- Affinity for, and practical experience in the use of field and laboratory equipment and technology, including electronic equipment and associated software such as loggers and sensors.
- Flexibility to work outside normal working hours as required according to seasonal demands; fit and able to perform physically demanding work, and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- A current full driver's licence required, with a current forklift licence and Growsafe certificate an advantage.
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
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.