Research Officer (Food Digestion)
Position Purpose: The purpose of this position is to undertake research as part of the Riddet Institute Centre of Research Excellence programme on models of digestion in the human gastrointestinal tract, specifically the characterisation of foods in in vitro digestion models and the improvement of those models.
Department: Riddet Institute
Location: Palmerston North
Reports to: Director, Riddet Institute
Responsible for: Nil.
Delegations: Nil.
Key relationships: Internal External Dr Alejandra Acevedo-Fani, University of California, Davis: Prof. Gail Bornhorst, University of Auckland: Prof. Leo Cheng, CoRE Research Partners.
About this area: The Riddet Institute is 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 generates knowledge and capability that transforms New Zealand and the New Zealand food industry.
Accountabilities:
Research Strategy and Delivery: Contributes and develops high quality research plans, outputs and achievement of project milestones relevant to food structure and food breakdown in in vitro models of the human gastrointestinal tract.
Contributes to work that provides solutions to complex problems resulting in the generation of new knowledge, IP, patents, policy and products.
Displays a collaborative work ethic, including a team approach that draws on knowledge and capability from across the Centre of Research Excellence to deliver best outcomes.
Science Excellence: Consistently delivers high quality, relevant research through publication in appropriate international journals.
Provides mentoring and coaching to postgraduate students (where relevant) to enhance the development of capabilities in food and biological engineering.
Contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge by presenting at conferences and maintaining active involvement in the wider food science communities.
Other Projects and Health and Safety: Undertakes other reasonable duties as required and ensures legislative compliance (e.g., Department of Labour, HSNO, EPA Animal and Human Ethics).
Qualifications and Experience:
PhD in food science, food engineering or related disciplines.
Strong understanding of in vitro digestion models, particularly dynamic models, is desirable.
Experience in quantitative and statistical analysis is required.
Experience in characterising physical properties of food and biological materials (e.g. food texture, rheology) is desirable.
Demonstrated track record of working in multidisciplinary teams with strong communication skills is required.
Proven track record in delivering against research project objectives.
Capabilities - Behaviour:
Communicates clearly and concisely.
Works effectively with a wide range of people and sets a culture that leverages differences and supports diversity.
Takes responsibility for effective and timely completion of own work.
Behaves in a fair, honest, consistent and ethical manner.
Capabilities - Technical:
Proven use of relevant and ethical scientific methodologies.
Demonstrated ability to write technical reports and research papers.
Pre-employment checks:
Requirement to pass a Qualifications Validation Check (if applicable).
Requirement to pass a Criminal and Traffic convictions (Security) check.
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