Senior Scientist

Position Title:                      Scientist/Senior Scientist (R6-R8) Animal Welfare, Farm Systems North

Reports to:                            Science Team Leader, Farm Systems North

Group:                                    Innovative Farm Systems

Client(s):                               Internal colleagues and external customers

Location:                                Current location is Ruakura, Hamilton.

                                              Planned location is Grasslands, Palmerston

                                              North at a date post January 2016 – actual date to be confirmed

Definition of Business:

AgResearch is one of New Zealand's leading research organisations. We work for the benefit of New Zealand, collaborating closely with industry partners to achieve the outcomes they need. AgResearch’s purpose is to enhance the value, productivity and profitability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food and agri-technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand.

The Innovative Farm Systems Group is focused on creating more profitable and sustainable farms and agribusinesses. Systems thinking is an integral part of our R&D philosophy and approach. Collectively, our research provides the capacity to understand complex, interconnected agricultural issues of current and future interest to industry players and the public.

The Farm Systems North Team is focused on providing research solutions in pastoral agriculture, particularly with respect to their production, environmental and social performance including: animal welfare, pasture performance and farm systems.

 Position Scope:

This role will lead one or more, multi-disciplinary projects delivering high quality science outcomes, potentially across multiple areas of specialisation, relevant to pastoral industry priorities in animal welfare. In doing so, the job holder will identify and convert opportunities into successful R&D proposals and outcomes. He/she will be well-connected with industry stakeholders and have a sound understanding of the challenges that are currently faced. There will be a specific focus on animal welfare issues in dairy cow and goat as well as sheep and cattle industries

As this appointment could be made at three career levels (R6-R8) individual placement and scope will vary dependent on skills and experience.

Purpose:

To consistently deliver/lead high quality research involving unique problems and complex issues in alignment with the AgResearch Statement of Corporate Intent.

Key Liaisons:

Researchers in other disciplines within AgResearch and internationally. Scientists within the wider pastoral research communities, both in New Zealand and internationally. Industry customers, producer groups, farmers and other industry stakeholders.

Delegated Authority:

As per delegations policy

Key Result Areas:

The Scientist shall act within some or all of the following Key Result Areas.  Assessment of performance within these areas will be at the Science Team Leader’s discretion throughout the year culminating in a performance review in July. 

Research Strategy and Delivery

·         Identifies new opportunities for delivering R&D solutions of marked importance to the NZ economy, which have direct commercial application and /or are of high strategic importance in advancing scientific knowledge and theory.

·         Contributes to/leads the development of successful funding proposals that attract significant revenue and offer solutions to existing and new customers

·         Contributes to/leads work that provides solutions to complex/unique problems and results in generation of new patents, products, practices

·         Develops and implements integrated high quality research and product plans; develops project budgets and ensures project milestones are achieved within budgets.

·         Manages and meets customer expectations and retains key customers by ensuring timely and responsive service

·         Displays a collaborative ethos, including a ‘right teams’ approach that optimally draws on knowledge and capability across the organisation to deliver the best possible outcome

·         Liaises and negotiates with outside agencies, e.g. producer boards, universities etc resulting in funding, collaborations, initiation of commercial ventures etc.

Scientific excellence

·         Consistently delivers high quality, relevant research

·         Demonstrates science credibility by publishing research in world leading journals, primary authorship of important books, papers etc.

·         Contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge by presenting at conferences, serving on journal review panels, chairing conference sessions etc.

·         Acts as a specialist advisor to industry bodies and private sector companies.

·         Maintains an active involvement in the wider pastoral, animal welfare and behaviour research communities which extends recognition both nationally and internationally

Working with Partners and Stakeholders

·         Builds and maintains a strong culture of partnership with stakeholders, focused on creation of impact in their sectors

·         Works with Portfolio Leaders, Stakeholder Relationship Managers, Science Group Leaders, Science Impact Leaders and other Scientists to maintain strategic partnerships and generate new opportunities.

·         Shows innovative commercial ability to secure new opportunities that enhance company profile and develop new relationships that lead to significant funding/collaborative opportunities

·         Networks with and presents seminars to industry stakeholders in the wider pastoral community.

Special Projects and Health and Safety

·         Undertakes special projects as and when required

·         Ensures legislative compliance, (e.g. Department of Labour, HSNO, EPA Animal Ethics) and appropriate data security.

·         Complies with Health and Safety Policies as set by AgResearch and legislature and at all times have consideration for the safety of themselves and others in the workplace

The person best suited to this position will possess the following:

Education/Qualifications

· PhD degree that includes substantial components of research work relevant to their specialist area of science

Knowledge/Experience Required

·         Proven track record in a relevant agricultural science area (including animal welfare), with a national reputation and at least 3 years relevant post-graduate scientific experience

·         Excellent peer-reviewed publication record

·         Proven delivery of outcomes to the agricultural sector

·         Good understanding of the NZ pastoral industry and key industry relationships

·         Wider experience in farm systems and agricultural sciences would be valuable

·         Has background knowledge and in-depth expertise in own specialist area. Able to provide thought leadership and innovative solutions.

·         Uses good scientific methodologies for all research, including literature searching; hypothesis-based experimental design and statistical analysis; and follows rigorous development and documentation procedures for research protocols. Has a good understanding of intellectual property.

Competencies required

Competency	Definition	Key behaviours
Values focused	Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to AgResearch’s Statement of Core Purpose and Statement of Corporate Intent as well as the values encapsulated in The Way We Work principles.	·         Supports the organisation ·         Operates with integrity ·         Discloses own position ·         Remains open to ideas ·         Supports others ·         Maintains professionalism
Communicating	Clearly and succinctly conveys information and ideas to individuals and groups; communicating in an influential, focused and compelling way that captures and holds others’ attention.	·         Delivers clear messages ·         Communicates with impact ·         Uses language appropriately ·         Ensures understanding ·         Influences others ·         Provides linkage to strategy
Collaborating	Develops and uses collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of business goals	·         Stake holder focus ·         Identifies partnership needs Explores partnership opportunities ·         Formulates action plans ·         Focuses on shared goals ·         Monitors partnership.
Decision making	Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; takes action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.	·         Understands external environment Identifies issues, problems and opportunities ·         Gathers and interprets information ·         Generates alternatives ·         Chooses and commits to appropriate action ·         Involves others.
Delivering results	Translates strategic priorities into operational reality; aligns communication, accountabilities, resource capabilities, internal processes, and on-going measurement systems to ensure that strategic priorities yield measurable and sustainable results	·         Translates initiatives into action ·         Implements a communication strategy ·         Creates accountability ·         Ensures skills and readiness ·         Aligns systems and processes ·         Tracks results
Committed leadership	Provides feedback, instruction, and development guidance to help others excel in their current or future job responsibilities; plans and supports the development of individual skills and abilities.	·         Leads change ·         Clarifies performance ·         Provides timely feedback ·         Conveys performance expectations and implications ·         Evaluates skill gaps ·         Guides development ·         Fosters developmental relationships

Values

Adheres to “The Way We Work” principles:

·         Maintaining Professionalism

·         Sharing Responsibility

·         Respecting Each Other

·         Being Fair

These values are our commitment to each other to foster and sustain a positive, friendly and supportive workplace that nurtures excellence, creativity and successful relationships.