Job Description December 2012

Position Title: Research Assistant/Associate

Reports to: Science Team Leader

Group: Food & Bio-based Products

Client(s): NZ Food Processing industries and MBIE

Responsible for: Technical delivery of food microbiology research

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. AgResearchs purpose is to
enhance the value, productivity and profitability of New Zealands pastoral, agri-food and agri-technology
sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for
New Zealand.

Specifically, the Food Assurance team is concerned with research and development leading to prevention of
food contamination by pathogenic and spoilage organisms from farm to fork.

Position Scope:
Support scientists by undertaking specific experiments under supervision which feed into the
overall research project, the purpose of which is to provide the client with leading edge research
solutions to their issues.

Purpose:
The purpose of this position is to provide technical and analytical support to the Food Assurance
team. This position will assist in programmes related to isolation and typing of micro- organisms
from the environment, food animals and foods by traditional & molecular methods, microbial
survival and behaviour along food production and distribution chains, in vitro and in vivo
assessment of virulence of food borne pathogens.

Key Liaisons:

Reports to Senior Scientist, Team Leader, and Laboratory Manager

Key Result Areas:

The Research Assistant/Associate shall act within the following Key Result Areas. Assessment of performance
within these areas will be at the Science Team Leaders discretion throughout the year culminating in a
performance review in July. Feedback on performance throughout the year can be either at the Scientist
request or as offered by Science Team Leader.

1. The appointee is expected to perform tasks, under a level of supervision commensurate with
experience in the laboratory.
2. The appointee is responsible for organising, planning and conducting experiments, as
appropriate.
3. The appointee is responsible for keeping records, including:
Experimental methodology
Results obtained & data analysis.
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Job Description December 2012

4. The appointee is responsible for preparing microbiological media, reagents and equipment as
required.
5. The appointee is expected to undertake general laboratory duties including housekeeping and
equipment maintenance as required.
6. Undertake other responsibilities as reasonably required to reflect changing demands.

Special Projects and Health and Safety

Undertake special projects for your manager as and when required
Follow AgResearch Health and Safety Policies and Procedures
Have consideration for the safety of yourself and others in the workplace at all times

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Person Specification December 2012

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

Education/Qualifications
The knowledge and skills normally expected of a person with an appropriate tertiary or
post-graduate qualification. Additional research experience, in the field of food microbiology
is advantageous.
Full drivers licence

Knowledge Required
Specific knowledge in the application of classical and molecular level microbiological
techniques.
Experience with PCR methods is advantageous.
Experience with handling organisms of risk group 2.

Competencies required
The ability to use initiative and originate action. Makes sound decisions.
Excellent analytical thinking ability. An ability to originate and evaluate constructive
alternatives. Creative and innovative. An ability to solve problems.
Enthusiastic and energetic.
Flexible to changing work demands.
The ability to motivate and empower others.
A sound quality focus.
The ability to encourage and foster teamwork.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Capable of performing the physical requirements of the job within the relevant work environment/s

Professional behaviours - The Way we Work

Our commitment to each other is to foster and sustain a positive, friendly and supportive workplace that
nurtures excellence, creativity and successful relationships by:
Respecting each other
Maintaining professionalism
Being fair
Sharing the responsibility

Values
Personal values aligned with company values.
Teamwork- without boundaries
Innovation- delivering excellence
Celebration recognising success
Honest with trust and candour

Brands
The following are the brands for AgResearch. All employees are expected to model these:
Leading Edge
In Touch
Responsible
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HR, Recruitment HR July 2010