At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of an indigenous-led biodiscovery platform.
- Company: Join a collaborative team at the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible work options, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work across multiple locations in Aotearoa with a focus on cultural integrity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by integrating Māori values into innovative research.
- Qualifications: Degree in science, business or marketing; strong leadership and stakeholder relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
38 Hours per week Full-time Permanent
Lead a national platform to build a culturally-grounded pathway for indigenous-led biodiscovery at the nexus of Māori, research and industry to deliver equitable and impactful outcomes.
What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua
- Lead the design, development and delivery of the Biodiscovery platform. From shaping the vision, setting the strategic direction and guiding investment across platform priorities.
- Ensuring delivery of outcomes and driving commercialisation of research into market-ready products.
- Building and leading a high-performing, collaborative team.
- Establishing strong stakeholder and partner relationships across research, industry, Māori and government with a focus on shared outcomes.
- Lead the development and implementation of Te Tiriti-based approaches and cultural integrity into innovative pathways, ensuring equitable access to benefit sharing.
What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako
- As a minimum, a degree, ideally combining science with business or marketing.
- Strong leadership experience delivering strategic plans and long-term outcomes.
- Proven success in commercialising research or products with real-world impact.
- Demonstrated experience partnering with Māori, including working within Te Ao Māori and integrating Māori values, perspectives and practices into decision making.
- A track record of building and maintaining trusted stakeholder relationships across research, industry, Māori entities and government agencies.
- Experience leading collaborative, multi-partner initiatives including agreements, partnerships and ventures.
- Sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in research, innovation and commercialisation contexts.
What you will get | Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga
- Four weeks annual leave, additional 7 days’ leave and generous paid parental leave.
- Excellent benefit choices in retirement savings and wellbeing & health.
- Focus on health and wellbeing with enhanced sick leave.
- Ongoing career development opportunities.
- Flexible work – hybrid working options and flexible hours.
- Auckland-based onsite childcare.
About us | Ko wai mātou
We've built something new. AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion have come together to form the Bioeconomy Science Institute. We are more than 2200 people working to support the growth and resilience of the bioeconomy in New Zealand and beyond.
60325 Director Biodiscovery Platform - Plant & Food Research in Christchurch employer: Science New Zealand
As a leader in the Bioeconomy Science Institute, we offer an exceptional work environment that champions indigenous-led biodiscovery and fosters collaboration across research, industry, and Māori communities. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous leave policies, flexible working arrangements, and ongoing career development opportunities, making us an ideal employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful work in Aotearoa.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 60325 Director Biodiscovery Platform - Plant & Food Research in Christchurch
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Science New Zealand. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Science New Zealand!
We think you need these skills to ace 60325 Director Biodiscovery Platform - Plant & Food Research in Christchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Science New Zealand that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Science New Zealand.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Science New Zealand does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Science New Zealand
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Science New Zealand. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Science New Zealand's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Science New Zealand. This shows your passion for the industry!
