The Organisation

AgResearch is the Crown Research Institute tasked with delivering cutting-edge agricultural science and innovation to benefit the wider New Zealand economy. Our internationally-recognised scientists work across the agricultural sectors in collaboration with a range of stakeholders both nationally and internationally, putting science and innovation at the forefront. We are proud to be a unique organisation that is driving prosperity by transforming agriculture.

The Role

This role will be part of a multi-disciplinary project team delivering high quality science outcomes relevant to the NZ Food and Beverage industry. The objective of this Fixed-Term position is to establish a suite of human taste receptor assays to study flavour profiles in fermented foods.

Based at the AgResearch Grasslands Campus, Palmerston North, you’ll be working under the guidance of Dr Julie Dalziel where you will have access to mammalian cell culture facilities and high throughout functional assay technology. You will be required to develop connections with the other collaborators in the research programme in NZ (Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North) and internationally while developing a sound understanding of taste receptor-peptide interactions linking sensory profiling to taste preference.

Duties:

• Planning, conducting and carrying out detailed phases of work for project focusing on cell culture and the functional response of taste receptors to fermented food substances.
• Contributing to high quality research outputs and achievement of project milestones.
• Writing up your research findings for publication in scientific journals.
• Ensuring legislative compliance (e.g., Department of Labour, HSNO, EPA Animal Ethics) and appropriate data security.
• Collaborating with other researchers in the project team.

The Successful Candidate will have:

• A PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, or physiology.
• Proven track record in a relevant science area (preferably including biochemistry or physiology). Peer-reviewed publication record.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively.
• Sound use of scientific methodologies for research, including literature searching; hypothesis-based experimental design and statistical analysis; rigorous development and documentation procedures for research protocols.
• Good understanding of the NZ food industry and key industry relationships.
• An understanding of intellectual property.
• Expertise with cell culture and sensory receptor expression and function in cell models.
• Expert knowledge of biologically pathways involved in taste detection.

Benefits

Your Everyday

• Beautiful campus & great Learning and Development opportunities

Your Health

• Generous health provisions & access to the group scheme for health insurance

Your Family

• Income and life insurance & supportive family friendly working environment

Your Extras

• 5weeks annual leave, multiple retail discounts & All of Government Westpac banking discounts

How to apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply on-line via the link provided and include a covering letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this project.

Applications close: 7 January 2018.

For more information or for a confidential discussion please contact Janet Rowe, People & Culture Administrator on +64 6 351 8609