Senior Research Officer (Sustainable Nutrition Initiative)
Position Purpose: The purpose of this position is to undertake research and to lead projects in sustainable nutrition as part of the Sustainable Nutrition Initiative at the Riddet Institute.
Department: Riddet Institute
Location: Palmerston North
Reports to: Professor of Nutritional Sciences, Riddet Institute
Responsible for: Nil.
Delegations: Nil.
Key relationships:
Prof Warren McNabb - Academic Research Partners
Dr Nick Smith - Industry Partners and Clients
Sustainable Nutrition Initiative - Government ministries
Research team
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 related disciplines) and generates knowledge and capability that transforms New Zealand and the New Zealand food industry.
Accountabilities:
Research Strategy and Delivery:
Develops high quality research plans and outputs.
Achieves project milestones relevant to Sustainable Nutrition Initiative (SNi) projects.
Contributes to funding applications in the area of sustainable food systems and sustainable nutrition that attract significant revenue.
Takes a leadership role in selected SNi projects.
Engages with strategic partners (including government, industry, and academia) to further the goals of the SNi team.
Contributes to work that provides solutions to complex/unique problems and results in the generation of new knowledge, IP, patents, policy and/or products.
In collaboration with staff across the Riddet Institute, identifies new opportunities for SNi research that advance scientific knowledge and theory.
Displays a collaborative work ethic, including a team approach that draws on knowledge and capability from across the SNi team, the Riddet Institute, Massey University and partner organisations to deliver the best outcomes.
Where needed, undertakes specialist training.
Science Excellence:
Consistently delivers high quality, relevant research through publication in appropriate international journals.
Provides supervision, mentoring and coaching to postgraduate students.
Contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge by presenting at conferences, serving on journal review panels, chairing conference sessions, etc.
Maintains an active involvement in the wider nutrition, food system and related research communities that extends and promotes personal, SNi, and Riddet Institute recognition both nationally and internationally.
Leadership:
Takes ownership of projects, ensuring milestones are met, team members are engaged, and excellent outputs delivered.
Proactively brings new ideas and ways of thinking to the team.
Seeks out opportunities to build the capabilities and strengths of others.
Other Projects and Compliance:
Ensures compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., Department of Labour, Health and Safety HSNO, EPA Animal and Human Ethics) and maintain appropriate data management and security.
Adhere to health and safety policies established by Massey University and relevant legislation, always prioritising the safety of oneself and others in the workplace.
Collaborate in citizenship and service activities internally and externally to the Riddet Institute.
Qualifications and Experience:
Qualifications: PhD in mathematics, statistics, data science, nutrition, food, or agriculture. An interdisciplinary background would be an advantage.
Experience: Outstanding communication skills, experience leading research projects, a proven track record publishing in high-quality international journals, experience with the programming language R, experience with mathematical modelling would be an advantage, experience supervising post-graduate students would be an advantage.
Capabilities - Behaviour:
Communication: Communicates clearly and concisely, proactively works to build and maintain internal and external relationships.
Collaboration: Collaborates effectively with diverse teams and individuals to meet collective goals.
Time Management: Practices proactive planning to anticipate bottlenecks that may impact project deadlines.
Attitude: Demonstrates creativity and a strong sense of curiosity.
Technical: Proficiency in R.
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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