Project Description

The Plant & Food Research Biometrics Team provides specialist statistical expertise and guidance to scientists working in a wide range of fields. While there is a focus on established plant-based research, there is also a growing need for statistical skills in areas such as metabolomics, chemometrics, genomics, psychology and sensory and consumer science.

This is an ideal opportunity to apply your statistical knowledge and skills to support and facilitate quality science in areas of vital importance to New Zealand’s plant and food based industries. The Team’s biometricians, with a wide variety of specialist skills, operate from Plant & Food Research sites in Auckland, Palmerston North, Lincoln and Motueka. While Auckland is the preferred location for this position, other options may also be considered.

As a minimum you’ll have a postgraduate degree or advanced diploma in Statistics or a related discipline, preferably with experience in analysis of biological science. Well developed inter-personal and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively are essential for this position. The position could suit an experienced practitioner, although suitable candidates in the early stages of their career will also be considered.

Purpose of the Position

To provide high-level technical support and collaboration within a team of biometricians focused on working with scientists in the plant and food sciences.

Plant & Food Research (PFR) conducts research in five broad areas: breeding and genomics, bioprotection, sustainable production, food innovation, and seafood technologies.  The research aims to develop better cultivars faster, residue-free methods of pest and disease control, more sustainable and profitable systems, proprietary foods with premium prices, and premium quality seafood with minimal environmental impact.  The biometrics team (currently three in Auckland, two in Palmerston North, one in Motueka and four in Lincoln) consults and collaborates with scientists to help meet these aims.  As such, the work involves mostly applying appropriate statistical techniques to advance the work of colleagues.

Accountabilities

  • Propose statistically sound designs for use in research studies.
  • Provide technical assistance and consultancy in the analysis of a range of data sets.
  • Ability to conceptualise a data set and analyse it in the most appropriate way for the desired outcome.
  • Communicate findings and conclusions in a manner that meets the needs of colleagues and has scientific rigour.
  • Assisting in the co-ordination and timetabling of projects to meet deadlines.
  • Processing and presenting data and summarising results.
  • Assisting in the writing of reports and scientific publications.

Professional Knowledge and Skills

  • A postgraduate degree or advanced diploma in statistics or related discipline, preferably with experience in analysis of biological data.
  • Broad knowledge of biometrics as well as demonstrated skills in some specialist areas of relevance to PFR.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with researchers, preferably working in different disciplines of biological science.
  • Experience in providing statistical support and consultancy to a range of diverse staff.
  • Excellent verbal and written scientific communication skills and ability to communicate statistical ideas to a wider audience.
  • Attention to detail, and ability to work through and investigate data sets of varying sizes.
  • Good computing skills and experience in the use of statistical packages such as R, GenStat and SAS. Experience in use of specialised graphics software (e.g. SigmaPlot, ggplot2) would be advantageous.
  • Ability to take responsibility, as agreed, for delegated tasks.
  • Ability to plan work schedules to meet agreed deadlines.
  • Ability to interact at a professional level with colleagues and commercial clients.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • High ethical standards of work.
  • Ability to operate within recognised safety standards to ensure personal and team safety.

Professional Behaviours

The holder of this position is expected to consistently demonstrate the behaviours described in the Plant & Food Research Leadership Framework.  These include:

  • Personal Characteristics, which means: being generous, having courage, showing humility, being self aware, trustworthy and positive
  • Personal Capability, which means: demonstrating personal expertise, problem solving, being innovative or managing innovation, having business acumen, and professional development
  • Focus On Results, which means: taking responsibility for results, organising and setting standards
  • Interpersonal, which means: communication, collaborating with others, building relationships, inspiring and developing people.
  • Leading Change, which means: having a strategic perspective or a sense of the “bigger picture”, championing or participating in change, and connecting to the outside world, or bringing in fresh ideas.