Principal Research Scientist

**General Information**:

- Date Published- 29-Jun-2023- Advertising Ends- 28-Jul-2023- Country- New Zealand- Location- Manawatu- Role Type- Science & Technology- Work Type- Permanent- ID#- 4861**Position Description**:
**About Us**

We are a proud New Zealand Co-operative built by generations of farming whānau. We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world.At our Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North, we know the smallest things can make a difference, so we research and develop products that last longer, stretch further, work faster, waste less, withstand more and taste better. Bringing together world class dairy products and the deep expertise of our people we work alongside the passionate, talented and innovative food professionals who are driving dairy industry and innovation.
- **About the opportunity**

We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world. With approximately 350 people, the Innovation & Brand business unit’s key purpose is to deliver sustainable value through innovative product and technology development to derive the best value from NZ milk. Most of our team is based in Palmerston North at the Fonterra Research Development Centre (FRDC) where we’ve been innovating in dairy for almost 100 years. The FRDC is home to a highly collegial team of scientists, technologists, and engineers - many of whom are the world’s leading experts in dairy science.- With a highly investigative mindset and a keen interest in gaining hands on work experience, you will support established Research Scientists and conduct laboratory work within the fields of genomics, evolution and microbiology. With significant exposure across the FRDC you will learn from the best and establish meaningful networks.We are looking for an innovator who can not only build our capability but also push the limits in this field to continue redefining best in class.- Key responsibilities include:
- Routine analysis of large genomic datasets, including the assembly of genome sequences, and the management and development of efficient data pipelines and sample management systems
- Communicate genetic methods and results to non-scientist stakeholders via regular meetings and report writing
- Development and implementation of novel laboratory methods and bioinformatic tools for a business-as-usual sequencing and analysis service
- Provide hands-on assistance with genetics and genomics lab work, including the operation of sequencing platforms
- Direct and guide Technical Officers/Technicians within the team, where appropriate, to ensure efficient and effective service to customers
- Contribute to Fonterra’s Data & Analytics and Food Assurance direction, including identification, evaluation, and presentation of opportunities relevant to business initiatives

The level of appointment will reflect experience and demonstrable track record. Applications from Senior and Principal Research level scientists will be considered.
- **About you**

You’ll have a PhD in Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Biological Sciences, or any closely related field.As a flexible and self-motivated person, you will have abilities to perform data investigation within a research environment across multiple projects. Ideally, you will have exposure to the manufacturing, food or dairy industries, but key is your strong ability to consult effectively within a research setting.As you will communicate your outcomes to a variety of stakeholders, you will be an exceptional communicator who can easily build rapport and trust. You are also open minded and approachable when people are seeking your advice and you value diversity and inclusion working in a highly diverse workforce.A few other key attributes will be:
- Data examination and data modelling using Perl, Python, Unix, R, shiny, or C with experience using high-performance computing
- Experienced user of common bioinformatic tools used for genomics with an understanding of the underlying algorithms. e.g. QC for sequence data, phylogenetics, SNP analyses/variant calling, taxonomic classification methods.
- Experiences working in a high-throughput sequencing lab. Capable of taking on both wet lab work and bioinformatic analyses of sequence data.
- Familiar with phylogenetics, variant calling, and similar taxonomic methods
- Proven stakeholder management and relationship building
- Experience writing scientific reports for non-scientist stakeholders, as well as peer-reviewed journal publications.
- Good knowledge in Microbial Genomics, Genomic Epidemiology, Population Genomics, Microbial Ecologyy, Evolutionary Bio