Principal/Senior Scientist
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The role and opportunity
We are seeking two Principal/Senior Scientist to join our world leading Rumen Microbiology team based at our Grasslands Campus where they will deliver high quality research in involving unique problems and complex issues related to animal productivity, environmental sustainability and many more research topics. This team has over a 40 year legacy of delivering leading science that has helped form the field of rumen microbiology to what is is today. These roles will be supported to develop and lead new ideas that will make a significant contribution to rumen microbiology and provide guidance and leadership to the team and field of research.
Job Title: Principal/Senior Scientist
Location: Palmerston North
Minimum and maximum base salary: $104,949. - $172,428.
Minimum guaranteed hours of work: 40
Days Required: Monday to Friday
Employment Type: Permanent
Number of positions: 2
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What you will be doing
- Actively identify new opportunities for delivering R&D solutions of marked importance to the NZ economy, which have direct commercial application and/or are of high strategic importance for advancing scientific knowledge and theory.
- Provide thought leadership for rumen microbiology, driving distinct areas of research.
- Initiate, lead and contribute to successful funding proposals that attract significant revenue and offer solutions to existing and new customers.
- Anticipate and respond to trends in area of expertise by informing the business around trends, new initiatives and opportunities which could impact on strategic objectives and business planning.
- Lead and contribute to high quality research outputs and achievement of project milestones within budgets.
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Your ideal background
- PhD degree in Microbiology or Microbial Bioinformatics
- A minimum of ten years as a practising scientist in rumen microbiology or a related field of science.
- Existing international networks and reputation with other rumen microbiologists and those in related fields.
- Strong knowledge of anaerobic microbiology
- Skills in carrying out and analysing genomic, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses of gut microbial systems
- A strong publication record in high impact journals focussed on rumen microbiology and related fields.
- Have strong knowledge of anaerobic culture techniques or a suitable base from which to learn these quickly
- Have the research skills to investigate the interactions between microbes and their animal hosts, preferably in the rumen or other gastrointestinal system, or other analogous environments
- A legacy of writing and leading funded programmes in rumen microbiology or those in related fields.
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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
For further information please contact Steve Archer steve.archer@agresearch.co.nz
To view the full position description for this role please click here
To apply click on the apply button below.
Applications close: 9 July 2025
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.
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