Senior Research Scientist

**General Information**:

- Date Published
- 07-Mar-2025
- Advertising Ends
- 24-Mar-2025
- Country
- New Zealand
- Location
- Manawatu
- Role Type
- Science & Technology
- Work Type
- Permanent
- ID#
- 11052

**Position Description**:
**Our Co-operative**

**Fonterra’s strength is in the collective | Te Mātāpuna toa takitini**
- We are a proud New Zealand Co-operative built by generations of farming families. 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 | Te whiwhinga mahi**
- We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Scientist to join our Dairy Foods & Food Service Team at our Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North on permanent basis.

As our Senior Research Scientist, your primary focus is to provide scientific expertise and leadership as part of the technical teams that provide sustained commercial value for Fonterra, through delivering science and technology outputs via the innovation pipeline, business support and/or capability enablement. Design and execute hypothesis-based research plans to overcome technical hurdles during the development and manufacturing of dairy ingredients and foods, and work in cross-functional teams.

**Key responsibilities include**:

- Advocate for a hypothesis-driven approach, challenge existing beliefs with current scientific knowledge, and use rigorous methods to improve FRDC’s dairy expertise while recognizing its value to Fonterra.
- Provide expertise in food colloids and emulsions. Lead formal projects or specialize in areas of knowledge. Deliver high-quality research independently and through teams based on business priorities.
- Consistently produce quality scientific and technological outputs in New Product Development (NPD), New Technology Development (NTD), breakthrough projects, and root cause analysis for business support.
- Identify and manage intellectual property opportunities. Stay informed about Fonterra’s R&D activities, manufacturing processes, and customer needs.
- Contribute to research strategy and tactics to achieve R&D goals. Identify and prioritize new scientific ideas and external research capabilities and communicate these opportunities to stakeholders. Staff mentoring.

**About you | Ko wai koe**
- To hit the ground running in this busy and varied role, you will be a proactive self-starter who easily builds meaningful relationships with a diverse range of people. This is a highly diverse and engaged team that learns from each other and enjoys sharing knowledge.

Along with a strong research background, you have a strong passion for food innovation and thrive in collaborating with other scientists and dedicated experts in the food industry.

**To be successful in this role you will need**:

- Master’s degree or PhD in Food Science, Technology or related field
- 5 years’ experience within industry or academic research, preferably in a global company. Experience in Dairy Food Applications, Laboratory operations or Analytical techniques is preferred
- Strong data analytics capability
- Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity whilst you work independently
- Strong technical directorship, excellent communication skills, coupled with strong collaboration and stakeholder abilities

Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to grow your career and make a significant impact in Fonterra's Strategic and Innovation goals.

Please note you must have work eligibility for New Zealand as a requirement for this position.

**The benefits of life at Fonterra | Te ora i Te Mātāpuna**
- Our people and what they bring to our Co-op shape our success. We have a collaborative culture, inspiring leaders, and passionate people, making Fonterra a great place to work. We also offer competitive remuneration and a range of benefits, regardless of your role or location.

**Our story | Ō mātou kōrero**
- Being part of Fonterra means being part of a unique history, realising the potential of dairy for generations to come, and solving for a better future together.
- Whanaungatanga, our Co-operative spirit, guides a common strength and purpose.
- Manaakitanga is how we care for all our people at the heart of what we do.
- Kaitiakitanga ensures we care for the land, farming in a way that regenerates our farms and environment for future generations.
- Whakaohooho inspires us all with excellent career development opportunities,