Food Technologist


Position Purpose: The purpose of this position is to assist in the research and development of new
food products and food ingredients, and in particular development of products
and technologies on industry funded projects and for commercialisation.
Department: Riddet Institute
Location: Palmerston North
Reports to: Food Innovation Manager
Responsible for: Nil.
Delegations: Nil.
Job Title: Technologist
Key relationships: Internal External
Relevant Project Leaders Industry clients and partners
Massey University: We are a world-leading university in many academic disciplines and fields of
research. Our point of difference is research that is connected to community and
industry. Our researchers are developing expertise and skills to advance human
knowledge and understanding. Working together across disciplines and
locations, we solve national and global problems through fundamental, applied
and interdisciplinary research, while culturally and artistically enriching our
world.

We are deeply committed to being a Te Tiriti-led university, demonstrating
authentic leadership in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand as we uphold Te
Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of our nation, and its principles through
our practice. We embrace this not just as an obligation but as a real opportunity
for the nation and its people.

Our educators are preparing a new generation of global leaders. Our students
are diverse and are attracted to Massey because they want to achieve their
personal goals or make their mark in the world. They experience world-class
learning that recognises their intellectual and cultural strengths, expands their
horizons and prepares them to contribute to a rapidly transforming world with
skills, critical and creative thinking and leadership.
We will be renowned for our passion and caring attitude. All Massey campuses
will be innovation ecosystems, acting as magnets for smart enterprises.
Wherever we are, we will operate in partnerships founded on respect, trust and
mutual benefit. Massey is not only defined by what we do, but by how we do it.

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About this area The Riddet Institute is a world-best research centre in food and nutritional
sciences, providing fundamental scientific understanding and training for a new
generation of science leaders. The Riddet Institute Centre of Research
Excellence (Co RE) integrates partner organisations (Massey University (host),
Auckland and Otago Universities, Ag Research and Plant & Food Research) and
disciplines, leading a “NZ Inc” approach to food research, and generates
knowledge and capability that transforms the New Zealand food industry.


Massey core capabilities
external stakeholders, giving expression to Tikanga Māori and protocols that demonstrates that we
respect and value Māori conventions in appropriate settings.
wellbeing policies, procedures and programmes; display commitment by actively supporting all safety
and wellbeing initiatives: and by actively engaging in health and safety improvement opportunities.
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Accountabilities
Research and • Coordination and execution of development projects from proposal stage
Development Delivery through to completion in an accurate, professional and timely manner,
ensuring the final outputs are on time and meet all requirements (including
any agreed client requirements, Health and Safety and necessary MPI
University and its research partners to develop a support and expertise
network for the various projects undertaken.

• Proactively resolve day to day issues affecting any projects and keep your

supervisor informed of any significant changes or problems that may arise
which will affect goals or that will affect Massey University’s reputation.

• Support research projects undertaken by the Riddet Institute or its

collaborators in the development of food products/formats or food
technologies, where required.

• Uphold Massey University’s reputation through professional conduct at all

times. Teamwork • Where required, deputise/cover for team colleagues, covering
meetings/communication, projects and trials to ensure that the day to day
and/or management to ensure that the school and/or Food Innovation Team
(all Stakeholders) has a clear understanding of any development
opportunities and/or challenges facing the team.

• Maintain, and contribute to, a pro-active and positive attitude towards

change and continuous improvement to benefit the Riddet Institute and the
University. legislature and at all times, makes safety of themselves and others in the
workplace the priority.

• Any other duties as required by the Associate Director Operations (or

nominee).
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Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications: Relevant tertiary qualification in food science and/or technology is preferred
Experience: • Sound knowledge on a broad range of aspects of food technology including
processing technologies, ingredients, product development, shelf life and
sensory.

• Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team on complex projects.
• At least two years’ experience in a food technology role is desirable,

preferably in or with industry involving food processing, product and/or
process development.

• Proven skills and experience using the Microsoft Office suite of products.

Capabilities - Behaviour
Communication • Communicates clearly and concisely.
Essential • Proactively works to build and maintain internal and external relationships and
networks to share knowledge and achieve goals.

• Understands limits of own authority and knows when to consult or inform

others.

• Develops a clear, complete understanding of needs and problems through

careful listening, probing, reflecting, and summarising.Collaboration • Works effectively with a wide range of people.
Time • Takes responsibility for effective and timely completion of own work.
Management • Demonstrates project management skills to complete projects on time and
Essential within budget.


Attitude • Behaves in a fair, honest, consistent and ethical manner

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Capabilities - Technical
Technical • Demonstrates a logical approach to problem solving.
support outcomes and make feasible proposals or recommendations.

Pre-employment checks
Pre-employment checks: • Requirement to pass a Qualifications Validation Check.
Essential • Requirement to pass a Criminal and Traffic convictions (Security) check.


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