Research Officer in Chemistry

• Apply your chemistry skills in a dynamic multi-disciplinary research team
• Great work environment with employee benefits

Ng? k?rero m? te t?ranga – About the role

We are seeking a dedicated Research Officer to join our team in exploring the fascinating relationships between the chemical structures of seaweed polysaccharides and their bioactivities as plant elicitors. This role plays a crucial part in advancing our understanding and developing innovative, sustainable products from farmed seaweed.

This role involves laboratory preparatory and analytical work focused on the extraction, modification, and characterisation of seaweed polysaccharides and their derivatives to support research and data collection. You will also be involved in training others, sharing skills, and conducting varied laboratory work to assist the team.

In this primarily laboratory-based role, you will be conducting sampling and processing of seaweed to extract and purify their polysaccharides.

Salary will be in the range of $ $76,904 to $80,000 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), fixed term for 2 years funded through external funds (MBIE program) based on Coastal Marine Field Station in Tauranga.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Christopher Glasson, Senior Research Fellow, [email protected]. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You will be a motivated and proactive individual to support and assist research in the production and analysis of complex seaweed polysaccharides and their derivatives. You’ll bring your enthusiasm for solving applied problems to support the development of novel plant elicitor products to protect and enhance primary production in the Agri/horticulture sectors.

You will use your experience with natural products or polysaccharide chemistry and analytical instrumentation in the context of developing novel seaweed-based plant protection products. You will require strong analytical, organisational, and data management skills.

This is an opportunity to apply your completed Masters degree which will be in a relevant field with a high-quality research component, or your work experience in a relevant field over the last 1-2 years following a Bachelors degree (preferably with a Chemistry major).

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about one of these roles but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to get in touch or to just apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Ko wai m?tou? – Who are we?

The Division of STEM comprises the Schools of Engineering; Computing and Mathematical Sciences, and Science. The Division also has several research units, including the Environmental Research Institute and commercial/equipment units which embody staff and research activities.

Te Aka M?tuatua School of Science provides teaching and research in several academic programmes including Aquaculture, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Sciences, and Molecular and Cellular Biology. The School offers a range of qualifications at undergraduate and postgraduate levels which are delivered on both the University of Waikato Hamilton campus and the Tauranga campus.

He aha ng? take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students, and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare W?nanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angit? ?rite ki ng? t?ngata katoa.

Applications Close on 3 March 2025

Requisition number: 1002367