Research Officer (Food Bioprocessing)


Position Purpose: The purpose of this position is to undertake research in the field of precision
fermentation for alternative protein production, focussed on developing
sustainable, nutritious and scalable food solutions through innovative
bioprocessing technologies. The position will contribute to the delivery of the
research aims associated with the Riddet Institute Centre of Research Excellence
research programme.
Department: Riddet Institute
Location: Palmerston North
Reports to: Riddet-Ag Research Chair in Alternative Proteins, Riddet Institute
Responsible for: Nil.
Delegations: Nil.
Job Title: Research Officer
Key relationships: Internal External
School of Food Technology and Ag Research
Natural Sciences Co RE Partners
External Partners and Clients
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 includes a Centre of Research
Excellence (Co RE) that integrates partner organisations (Massey University
(host), Auckland and Otago Universities, Ag Research and Plant & Food
Research). The Institute leads a “NZ Inc” approach to food research (that
includes sustainable nutrition) 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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Responsibilities
to support projects and activities, collaborating with more experienced
researchers within the Institute, nationally and internationally.

• Demonstrate a collaborative work ethic and a team-oriented approach,

leveraging knowledge and capabilities from across the Centre of Research
Excellence to achieve optimal outcomes. Science Excellence • Consistently produce high-quality, impactful research outputs and publish
findings in top international journals.

• Contribute to solving complex problems and generating new knowledge,

intellectual property, policies, and products.

• Supervise and mentor postgraduate students, demonstrating personal

effectiveness in supervision.

• Advance scientific knowledge by presenting at conferences, serving on

journal review panels, and chairing conference sessions.

• Actively participate in the wider food science community, promoting both

personal and Riddet Institute recognition nationally and internationally. Other Projects and • Ensure 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 prioritizing the safety of oneself and others in the
workplace.

• Collaborate in citizenship and service activities internally and externally to

the Riddet Institute.
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Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications: Completed Ph D in Industrial Biotechnology, Bioprocessing engineering,
molecular biology, food biotechnology, food microbiology, or related area.
Experience: • A minimum of 3-4 years of hands-on post-doctoral research experience in
the field of microbial bioprocessing, ideally related to the position.

• Proven experience in day-to-day management of research projects within a

team and capacity to collaborate and engage with diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated expertise in carrying fermentation/precision fermentation

experiments with respect to oil and protein producing heterotrophic
microbes (microalgae, yeast, fungi, or bacteria).

• Demonstrated experience in performing mutagenesis using oleaginous

microbes (experience with microalgae, yeast strains). Knowledge of
metabolic engineering for microbial strain improvement.

• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in bioprocess optimisation

including downstream processing of lipids and proteins.

• In-depth knowledge in instrumentation GC-MS/ HPLC for carrying fatty acid

analysis, lipid analysis (fractionation of lipid classes, TLC-GC), sugar and
protein analysis.

• A good track record of publications in reputable journals, industry reports,

and presentations at conferences.

• Demonstrated experience of assisting in mentoring/co-supervision of high-

degree research/ master students.
Capabilities - Behaviour
Communication • Communicates clearly and concisely.
others.
•

Collaboration • Collaborates effectively with diverse teams and individuals to meet collective
stakeholders.
Time • Practices proactive planning to anticipate bottlenecks that may impact the
Management project deadlines.
Essential • Maintains an organised workflows by using tools to keep track of deadlines,
milestones and deliverables.

• Delegates tasks appropriately to ensure optimal use of team resources.

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Attitude • Demonstrates creativity and a strong sense of curiosity.
Essential • Sets and models a culture that leverages differences and supports equality,
diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

• Behaves in a fair, honest, and ethical manner.

Capabilities - Technical
Technical • Proficiency in statistical analysis software and data modelling
Desirable • Understanding of intellectual property generation, including the processes for
patenting, protecting, and managing intellectual assets.

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



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