Senior Scientist Apple & Pear Physiology

Job description

Overview

Senior Scientist Apple & Pear Physiology, in the Apple and Pear Physiology Team, Fruit Crops Physiology Group, Sustainable Production Portfolio.

Reports to the team leader – Apple & Pear Physiology.

Conduct research on fruit production optimisation and enhancement of fruit quality.

Contribute to both fundamental and applied research programmes developing new knowledge and/or innovative production technologies including training systems, rootstocks, cultivars and crop management practices that increase sustainability.

Research and grower extension activities will be based primarily in New Zealand, with international opportunities likely.

The crop focus is primarily apples and pears, with some collaboration in summerfruit and kiwifruit.

Fundamental research will involve whole-tree physiology, crop yield improvement, fruit development and quality optimisation.

Applied research will focus on crop management optimisation to support commercialisation of proprietary cultivars developed by Plant & Food Research.

This position is in an experienced team with strong collaborative links to researchers in breeding, genomics, plant modelling, postharvest science, bioengineering and production footprinting.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for, significant contributor to and/or leadership of team research programmes or objectives relevant to signals from commercial and industry clients as opportunities arise.
  
  
• Source funding for research projects from commercial and industry clients, including developing proposals and budgets for contracts and delivering on the contracts on time and within budget.
  
  
• Contribute to development of proposals and delivery on contracts from New Zealand government agencies and internally-funded projects.
  
  
• Develop constructive working relationships with Plant & Food Research, New Zealand and international scientists and clients to facilitate collaborative research.
  
  
• Foster enduring relationships within Plant & Food Research and with external funders, clients and end users.
  
  
• Conceptualise, design and manage field experiments including imposing treatments, preparation and maintaining plant material, data collection and analyses.
  
  
• Effectively coordinate multiple workstreams at the same time to achieve excellent results and meet deadlines.
  
  
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection, preparation, curation and analysis.
  
  
• Ensure laboratory and field equipment and facilities are maintained to a high standard and used correctly.
  
  
• Write reports and/or manuals for commercial clients and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals in English.
  
  
• Present research at industry, client and scientific meetings and conferences, including practical demonstrations where applicable.
  
  
• Willingness to develop scientifically into new areas as required by Plant & Food Research strategy and/or team requirements.
  
  
• Always act to enhance Plant & Food Research's scientific and industry reputation.
  
  
• Supervise science, casual, support staff and students.
  
  
• Follow health, safety and wellbeing instructions, policies and/or procedures and participate in training as required.
  
  

Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in plant sciences, horticulture or plant physiology, with in-depth practical orchard/field/laboratory experience, knowledge and skills.
  
  
• Experience and a proven track record in applied and fundamental temperate fruit tree research, technical transfer/extension of scientific findings to industry and growers.
  
  
• Broad understanding of and experience with fruit production systems (preferably temperate fruit crops) and tree/orchard management.
  
  
• Ability to learn new skills and to develop new areas as required by Plant & Food Research strategy and/or team requirements.
  
  
• Accurate, organised and methodical approach to tasks with a commitment to deliver effective, accurate and excellent work/project management.
  
  
• Ability to plan work schedules to meet deadlines and quality standards in a multi-project environment.
  
  
• Strong problem-solving skills and practical ability to address a wide range of issues.
  
  
• Laboratory and instrumental experience relevant to crop eco-physiology.
  
  
• Sound knowledge and experience of experimental design, sampling, data collection/collation and analysis.
  
  
• Well-developed computing skills for spreadsheets, statistical analysis, word processing, referencing and graphical display.
  
  
• Effective communication in English, both orally and in writing, to scientific and grower audiences.
  
  
• Experience in leading and supervising other science and casual staff and working in teams.
  
  
• Flexibility to work outside normal hours as required by seasonal demands.
  
  
• Current full driver’s licence and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
  
  

Professional Behaviours

The holder of this position is expected to consistently demonstrate the behaviours described in the Plant & Food Research Leadership Framework:

• Personal Characteristics: generosity, courage, humility, self-awareness, trustworthiness and positivity.
  
  
• Personal Capability: expertise, problem solving, innovation, business acumen and professional development.
  
  
• Focus On Results: responsibility for results, organising and setting standards.
  
  
• Interpersonal: communication, collaboration, relationship building, inspiring and developing people.
  
  
• Leading Change: strategic perspective, championing/change participation, connecting to the outside world, bringing in fresh ideas.
  
  

Measures of Performance

Performance will be reviewed in discussions with the incumbent's immediate manager and at an annual Performance, Planning and Review (PPR) process.

Contact

For more details contact

Location

Motueka, New Zealand

Required Skill Profession

Science, Research And Teaching