Plant & Food Research – Perennial Systems Crop Modeller

Plant & Food Research have an opportunity for a Perennial Systems Crop Modeller.  Please see details below:

Perennial Systems Crop Modeller – Hawkes Bay

Plant & Food Research is a vibrant organisation conducting research that adds value to New Zealand’s horticulture and seafood industries. Our 1,000 staff, spread across 14 New Zealand locations, are proud of the way our science and commercialisation supports the production of top quality, sustainably-produced foods and high-value products that earn a premium in international markets and benefit human wellbeing.

We are growing our activity in perennial crop modelling so that we can better support a range of customers in the horticultural sector with excellent, impactful science. To expand our existing team of busy and internationally connected crop modellers, we are seeking a Scientist with experience developing and applying perennial crop models. You will take a lead role in the delivery of modelling components for horticultural digital twins being developed by Plant & Food Research. This will include contributing to the design and planning of modelling components of the digital twin and its hands-on development and delivery. You may also need to develop specific models for applied use in orchards.

To be successful in this role, you will have an understanding of a range of modelling approaches and be prepared to adopt, develop and integrate ideas from different approaches to facilitate building modelling components. These may include structural-functional plant models, orchard systems models, or statistical models. Ideally you will have skills in relevant methodologies such as science programming, code management, real time data assimilation, big data analysis, and model optimisation. Excellent relationship building skills will be critical as model development will require extensive interaction and collaboration with other experts, both within Plant & Food Research and more broadly. Expected collaborators will include other modelling team members, plant physiologists, sensor engineers and data and environmental scientists. You will be a collaborative team member to ensure that high quality modelling results are delivered.

This is a permanent fulltime position, with the preferred location in the Hawkes Bay however other Plant & Food Research sites may be considered.

We offer a dynamic workplace and varied workload, with excellent benefits including generous leave provisions and employer contribution to superannuation and subsidised health insurance.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in the New Year.

Use this below URL to apply for this job:
40986 Perennial Systems Crop Modeller – Plant & Food Research – Careers at Science New Zealand

Please complete your application before 11:55 PM Sunday 20 December.

If you have any queries or concerns don’t hesitate to contact a member of the HR Team.