The role and opportunity
At AgResearch, our purpose is to use science to enhance the value, productivity, and profitability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food, and agri-technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand. We are committed to the knowledge system of mātauranga Māori on equal footing with Western science and existing structures, that have helped support positive change in farming practices and food production in Aotearoa.
AgResearch has an exciting opportunity for a Science Team Leader to join our Climate Change and Forage Innovations team. Based at our Grasslands Campus in Palmerston North, we are looking for an energetic and inspirational leader who can lead our Scientists in this extremely important field for the benefit of New Zealand.
Location: Palmerston North
Minimum and maximum base salary: NZD$115,073 to $135,380
Hours work per week: 40
Days Required: Monday to Friday
Number of Positions: One
Employment Type: Permanent
Relocation Assistance
What you will be doing:
This is an exciting opportunity for you to lead our Climate Change and Forage Innovations team, ensuring it has the current and future capability requirements (both personnel and science-based infrastructure and equipment) aligned to the Science Plan and ensuring a vital science-driven innovation pipeline and culture of innovation excellence.
Your proven leadership skills will be invaluable as you lead a high performing team to successfully fulfil its science needs through mentoring, coaching, developing, and supporting the team members. You will play an integral part of enhancing the employee experience by providing regular positive and constructive feedback. You will be leading a multidisciplinary team that carries out forage-based research to support climate resilience and lower emissions land use and food production. This includes understanding the potential impacts and adaptations to climate change and developing technologies such as inhibitors and genetics technologies of forages to reduce greenhouse gas production.
Your ideal background
- A PhD in Plant Science or experience in forage science area relevant to climate-change research.
- Proven experience in the leadership/supervision of individuals/groups in science, including setting and reviewing progress against objectives, mentoring of individuals and assistance in career development.
- Proven record in a relevant science area (preferably including experience in any of these areas: plant biotechnology and genetics, plant biochemistry, plant physiology and plant ecology).
- Skills in programme leadership and evidence of innovation in science and technology.
- An ability to draw people together and align them to a common purpose.
- Capability to lead from the front, helping to role model a high-performance and values-led culture.
We encourage applications from candidates with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori.
Our Benefits
AgResearch provide a diverse range of benefits including extensive flexible working options that help employees balance their own lifestyle and needs with their work commitments. You can view the full list here: http://www.agresearchcareers.co.nz/working-here/our-benefits/.
How to apply
This role will suit a passionate, talented, and collaborative person who is motivated to drive their career forward within this vital New Zealand organisation. If this sounds like you, apply today using the link, including a cover letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this position.
For further information contact Linda Johnson at linda.johnson@agresearch.co.nz.
To view the full position description for this role, please visit our careers site https://yourcareer.agresearch.co.nz/
Applications close: Monday, 10th April 2023.
AgResearch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an environment that embraces, promotes and values diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage and welcome candidates from any background, so please don’t hesitate to apply for this position or call us to discuss this further.