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Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University

Postdoctoral Fellow - Plant-based Ingredients Functionality

  • Posted Today
  • On Site
  • Full Time

$86.11  -  $103.95 k/yr

Albany, Auckland

Job Description

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow - Plant-based Ingredients

Functionality

Department: Riddet Institute

Location: Manawatū campus, Palmerston North

Closing Date: 14 October 2026


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 Institute integrates partner organisations (Massey University (host),

Auckland and Otago Universities, AgResearch and Plant & Food Research) and disciplines,

leading a “NZ Inc” approach to food research, and generates knowledge and capability that transforms the New Zealand food industry.


We are seeking a high-achieving researcher with a strong background in food science,

food chemistry and/or food technology to work on a project related to functionality of

semi-refined plant-based ingredients and potential food applications. This position is

part-time (0.5 FTE), fixed term for two years and based on the Manawatū campus in

Palmerston North.


The Institute has a history of being a vibrant, enjoyable, and fun place to work where we

are all focused on “can do” and excellence in everything we do. We are interested in

attracting a person who would enjoy this environment to join our team.


Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role

Join a research-focused team dedicated to advancing New Zealand's food innovation and

scientific excellence. In this role, you will contribute to cutting-edge research exploring

the processing-dependent techno-functional properties of semi-refined plant-based food

ingredients. Working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams, you will help

generate new knowledge, support research outcomes with real-world impact, and

contribute to solutions that strengthen New Zealand's food sector and economy.


Key responsibilities include:

  • Contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality food science research
  • projects, ensuring key milestones and objectives are achieved.
  • Investigate the techno-functional properties of semi-refined plant-based food
  • ingredients and their application in food systems.
  • Collaborate with researchers across the Riddet Institute to identify and develop
  • innovative food solutions with scientific and commercial impact.
  • Support the generation of new knowledge, intellectual property, publications,
  • products, and other research outputs.
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, drawing on expertise from
  • across the Centre of Research Excellence.
  • Publish high-quality research findings in respected international scientific journals.
  • Mentor and support undergraduate students, helping to build capability in food
  • science and plant protein research.
  • Represent the Institute through conference presentations, scientific reviews,
  • professional networks, and other scholarly activities.
  • Build and maintain strong connections within national and international food
  • science communities.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, ethics requirements, data security
  • protocols, and health and safety regulations.
  • Undertake additional duties and research activities as required to support the
  • wider objectives of the Institute.


Mōu | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring/hold:

  • A PhD degree in food science/technology/chemistry or related disciplines.
  • Applicants in the PhD thesis dissertation stage will be considered.
  • Experience in food protein functionality testing (gelation, solubility, foaming, emulsification) and plant protein modification treatments (i.e. physical, chemical and enzymatic modifications) to improve ingredient functionality.
  • Experience in food model design formulation, particularly dairy alternatives.
  • Experience in techniques for food material characterisation (e.g. microscopy, rheology, FT-IR, Raman Spectroscopy).
  • Experience in conducting experiments using Synchrotron-based techniques to characterise food structures is an advantage.
  • Skills related to effective communication and problem solving as well as the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams are required.


Ko ngā hua o te tūranga? | What’s in it for you?

At Massey, we’re committed to being a Te Tiriti-led university and a great place to work.


Our people enjoy a range of benefits, including:

  • Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contribution
  • Five university holidays in addition to standard annual leave
  • Competitive remuneration and professional development opportunities
  • Flexible working arrangements, where appropriate
  • Access to campus facilities including gyms, libraries, cafés, and childcare (location dependent)
  • Staff purchasing discounts with a variety of external partners


The salary for this position will depend on skills and experience but will be in the range of

Postdoctoral Fellow ($86,113 to $103,953).


Further enquiries should be directed to Associate Professor Alejandra Acevedo Fani at

Desired Soft Skills

  • Coordination
  • Communication
  • Time Management

Culture

  • 🌈 Rainbow Tick
  • 🧠 Neurodiverse
  • 💰 Wage Equality
  • 🏃 Women Leadership
  • 🤝 Unionisation
  • 🌐 INZ Accredited Employer
View All

Job Schedule

  • Monday to Friday
  • Shift Work

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