Mt Albert 

Vacancy 42252

About us

Plant & Food Research (‘PFR’) is a vibrant organisation conducting research that adds value to New Zealand’s horticulture and seafood industries. Our approximately 1,000 employees, spread across 14 New Zealand locations, are proud of the way our science and commercialisation supports the production of top quality, sustainably-produced foods and high-value products that earn a premium in international markets and benefit human wellbeing.

What you will be doing

Our Postharvest Science team provides a wide range of outcomes to the horticultural industry in New Zealand and to some food sectors. This position supports research aiming to understand postharvest responses of fruit and vegetables, improve fruit quality and ensure access to international markets. Primarily focused on kiwifruit, you’ll assist with project planning, experimental establishment and management, data collection and analyses and the preparation of client reports.

Depending on the experience of the successful candidate, there may also be an opportunity to develop into compliance, management and technical (engineering) of postharvest coolstores, controlled atmosphere storage and postharvest treatments. 

This permanent full-time position represents an outstanding opportunity to develop and apply your research skills as a valued member of a strong team of collaborative researchers.

What you will need

To be successful in this role, you have as a minimum a BSc in horticulture or plant science, or have other relevant qualifications in biological sciences or bioengineering. A broad understanding of plant and fruit physiology will be important, while some understanding of the New Zealand fruit or vegetable industries would be beneficial.

While much of the work will be in postharvest science, engineering/mechanical/technical skills would be a significant advantage for the potential to be involved in regulatory compliance as well as setup and maintenance of a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment.

A current New Zealand driver’s licence and flexibility to work outside normal working hours during seasonal peak periods is essential. A forklift licence would be advantageous.

What you will get

The opportunity to work within a friendly, team-based environment that encourages work-life balance, and contribute to exciting projects with an organisation that has an excellent reputation for its science and impact! 

We offer excellent employee benefits, including generous leave provisions and employer contribution to superannuation, and subsidised health insurance.