Research Officer

at  Massey University

Research Officer
Position Purpose: The purpose of this Research Officer position is to undertake research leading to
the development of computational models for sustainable nutrition, as part of
the Riddet Institute’s Sustainable Nutrition Initiative (SNi).
Department: Riddet Institute
Location: Palmerston North
Reports to: Professor of Nutritional Sciences, Riddet Institute
Responsible for: Nil.
Delegations: Nil.
Job Title: Research Officer
Key relationships: Internal External
Prof Warren McNabb Academic Research Partners
Dr Nick Smith, Riddet Institute Industry Partners and Clients
Sustainable Nutrition Initiative Government ministries
research team
Massey University: We are a world-leading university in many academic disciplines and fields of
research. Our point of difference is research that is connected to community and
industry. Our researchers are developing expertise and skills to advance human
knowledge and understanding. Working together across disciplines and
locations, we solve national and global problems through fundamental, applied
and interdisciplinary research, while culturally and artistically enriching our
world.
We are deeply committed to being a Te Tiriti-led university, demonstrating
authentic leadership in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand as we uphold Te
Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of our nation, and its principles through
our practice. We embrace this not just as an obligation but as a real opportunity
for the nation and its people.
Our educators are preparing a new generation of global leaders. Our students
are diverse and are attracted to Massey because they want to achieve their
personal goals or make their mark in the world. They experience world-class
learning that recognises their intellectual and cultural strengths, expands their
horizons and prepares them to contribute to a rapidly transforming world with
skills, critical and creative thinking and leadership.
We will be renowned for our passion and caring attitude. All Massey campuses
will be innovation ecosystems, acting as magnets for smart enterprises.
Wherever we are, we will operate in partnerships founded on respect, trust and
mutual benefit. Massey is not only defined by what we do, but by how we do it.
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About this area The Riddet Institute is a world-best research centre in food and nutritional
sciences, providing fundamental scientific understanding and training for a new
generation of science leaders. The Riddet Institute includes a Centre of Research
Excellence (CoRE) that integrates partner organisations (Massey University
(host), Auckland and Otago Universities, AgResearch and Plant & Food
Research). The Institute leads a “NZ Inc” approach to food research (that
includes sustainable nutrition) and generates knowledge and capability that
transforms the New Zealand food industry.
Massey core capabilities

At Massey we are Tiriti-led, upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles through our practice, we:

• Demonstrate awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand society
• Understand the relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in relation to the work of the University and the

people we serve.

• Embracing Te Reo in relevant and practical ways in our workplace interactions and engagement with

external stakeholders, giving expression to Tikanga Māori and protocols that demonstrates that we
respect and value Māori conventions in appropriate settings.

At Massey we work together with mutual respect and caring. we:

• Act with integrity and trustworthiness and give credit to others for the work they do.
• Work cooperatively and inter-dependently to foster and promote the One University approach
• Share knowledge and communicate professionally with courtesy and mutual respect.
• Are ethical in all transactions, working within the parameters of our policies and procedures.
• Are direct, truthful and maintain confidentiality.
• Seek to understand and appreciate our differences.
• Are ethical in all transactions, working within the parameters of our policies and procedures.
• Are direct, truthful and maintain confidentiality.
• Seek to understand and appreciate our differences
• Keep ourselves and others safe; work together to embrace with the University’s health, safety and

wellbeing policies, procedures and programmes; display commitment by actively supporting all safety
and wellbeing initiatives: and by actively engaging in health and safety improvement opportunities.

At Massey we are future-focused, results- oriented and strive for excellence. we:

• Take ownership and responsibility for delivering results to support achievement of University

objectives.

• Provide the best quality services to our customers (internal and external) ensuring our students/

stakeholders are at the heart of everything we do.

• Deliver or support world-class research, teaching and learning and citizenship.
• Take personal responsibility for our performance, take pride in doing our job well, and commit to

ongoing personal and professional development

• Are motivated and create a positive working environment where our values are reinforced.
• Anticipate and respond with agility and resilience to the changing needs of the University and the

communities we serve.

• Seek ways to improve our services to deliver in an efficient and effective way.
• Embrace technology and apply this innovatively to better meet the needs of those we serve.
• Challenge ourselves to reach our potential and help bring out the best in others.
• Understand how what we do contributes to the objectives of the University.

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Responsibilities
Research Strategy and • Develops high quality research plans and outputs.
Delivery • Achieves project milestones relevant to Sustainable Nutrition Initiative (SNi)

projects.

• Contributes to funding applications in the area of sustainable food systems

and sustainable nutrition that attract significant revenue.

• Takes a leadership role in selected SNi projects.
• Engages with strategic partners (including government, industry, and

academia) to further the goals of the SNi team.

• Contributes to work that provides solutions to complex/unique problems

and results in the generation of new knowledge, IP, patents, policy and/or

products.

• In collaboration with staff across the Riddet Institute, identifies new

opportunities for SNi research that advance scientific knowledge and theory.

• Displays a collaborative work ethic, including a team approach that draws on

knowledge and capability from across the SNi team, the Riddet Institute,

Massey University and partner organisations to deliver the best outcomes.

• Where needed, undertakes specialist training.

Science Excellence • Consistently delivers high quality, relevant research through publication in

appropriate international journals.

• Provides supervision, mentoring and coaching to students.
• Contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge by presenting at

conferences, serving on journal review panels, chairing conference sessions,

etc.

• Can provide critical assessment of both internal and external research.
• Maintains an active involvement in the wider nutrition, food system and

related research communities that extends and promotes personal, SNi, and
Riddet Institute recognition both nationally and internationally.
Other Projects and • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., Department of Labour,
Health and Safety HSNO, EPA Animal and Human Ethics) and maintain appropriate data

management and security.

• Adhere to health and safety policies established by Massey University and

relevant legislation, always prioritizing the safety of oneself and others in the

workplace.

• Collaborate in citizenship and service activities internally and externally to

the Riddet Institute.
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Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications: Completed PhD in Nutrition/Food systems/Modelling or related area.
Experience: • A minimum of two years of hands-on research experience, ideally related to

the position.

• Proven experience in day-to-day management of research projects within a

team.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with the programming language R.
• Experience with dietary optimisation modelling.
• Experience with food systems and nutrition datasets.
• Experience supervising students.

Capabilities - Behaviour
Communication • Communicates clearly and concisely.

Essential • Proactively works to build and maintain internal and external relationships.

• Understands limits of own authority and knows when to consult or inform

others.
Collaboration • Collaborates effectively with diverse teams and individuals to meet collective

Essential goals.

• Promotes/contributes to a collegial atmosphere and effective teamwork.
• Understands industry dynamics and effectively engage with industry

stakeholders.
Time • Practices proactive planning to anticipate bottlenecks that may impact the
Management project deadlines.
Essential • Maintains an organised workflows by using tools to keep track of deadlines,

milestones and deliverables.

• Delegates tasks appropriately to ensure optimal use of team resources.

Attitude • Demonstrates creativity and a strong sense of curiosity.
Essential • Sets and models a culture that leverages differences and supports equality,

diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

• Behaves in a fair, honest, and ethical manner.

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Capabilities - Technical
Technical • Proficiency in R
Essential • Experience with dietary modelling
Pre-employment checks
Pre-employment checks: • Requirement to pass a Qualifications Validation check (if applicable).
Essential • Requirement to pass a Criminal and Traffic convictions (Security) check.

Please refer the Job description for details