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.
Job Title: Senior Research Officer
Key relationships: Internal External
Prof Warren Mc Nabb Academic Research Partners
Dr Nick Smith Industry Partners and Clients
Sustainable Nutrition Initiative Government ministries
research team
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
Research Strategy and • Develops high quality research plans and outputs.
Delivery • Achieves project milestones relevant to Sustainable Nutrition Initiative (SNi)
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.

• Can provide critical assessment of both internal and external research.
• 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 • Has the desire to lead complex and challenging research projects and
diverse teams.

• 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 • Ensures compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., Department of Labour,
Health and Safety HSNO, EPA Animal and Human Ethics) and maintain appropriate data
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.3

Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications: Ph D 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.
Essential  Proactively works to build and maintain internal and external relationships.
 Understands limits of own authority and knows when to consult or inform
others.
Collaboration  Collaborates effectively with diverse teams and individuals to meet collective
Essential goals.
 Promotes/contributes to a collegial atmosphere and effective teamwork.
 Understands industry dynamics and effectively engage with industry
stakeholders.
Time  Practices proactive planning to anticipate bottlenecks that may impact the
Management project deadlines.
Essential  Maintains an organised workflow by using tools to keep track of deadlines,
milestones and deliverables.
 Delegates tasks appropriately to ensure optimal use of team resources.
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, consistent and ethical manner.
Technical  Proficiency in R
Desirable  Experience with dietary modelling
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Capabilities - Technical
Technical  Demonstrated ability to write technical reports and research papers.
Essential  Can interpret, evaluate and analyse data, information and processes to support
outcomes and make feasible proposals or recommendations.
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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