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, and 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.
Job Title: Research Officer
Key relationships: Internal External
Dr Alejandra Acevedo-Fani University of California, Davis: Prof. Gail
Bornhorst
University of Auckland: Prof. Leo Cheng
Co RE Research 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 Centre of Research Excellence (Co RE) that integrates
partner organisations (Massey University (host), Auckland and Otago
Universities, Ag Research 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.
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
opportunities for delivering food solutions that will grow the NZ economy
and which advance scientific knowledge and theory.

• 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 with a particular focus on in vitro model development and
testing to understand digestion behaviour of food materials.

• 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 food science communities

which extends and promotes personal and Riddet Institute recognition both
nationally and internationally. Other Projects and • Undertakes other reasonable duties as and when required
Health and Safety • Ensures legislative compliance, (e.g., Department of Labour, HSNO, EPA
Animal and Human Ethics) and appropriate data security.

• Complies with health and safety policies as set by Massey University, and

legislature and at all times, makes safety of themselves and others in the
workplace the priority. Any other duties as required by the Director (or nominee).



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Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications: Ph D in food science, food engineering or related disciplines
Experience: • 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

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.Collaboration • Works effectively with a wide range of people.
Time • Takes responsibility for effective and timely completion of own work.
Management
Essential
Attitude • Behaves in a fair, honest, consistent and ethical manner.

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Capabilities - Technical
Technical • Proven use of relevant and ethical scientific methodologies.
outcomes and make feasible proposals or recommendations.

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


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