Massey University Looking for Postdoctoral Fellow – Molecular Biosciences at Palmerston North, Wanganui-Manawatu, New Zealand Full Time

• Molecular Biosciences
• College of Sciences
• Palmerston North

CS_MB_418_03/23

Molecular Biosciences

College of Sciences

Term length: fixed-term

Hours of work:full-time

To view academic salary scales, please

Position Overview

Post-Doctoral Position in Plant Stress Physiology

Fungal volatile organic compounds for sustainable agriculture in a changing environment

Environmental changes pose significant threats to Aotearoa/New Zealand’s primary production, generating a critical need for innovative, effective solutions to maintain production in the face of a changing climate. The research programme will pioneer a new class of environmentally friendly plant protectants. The Post-Doctoral Fellow will contribute to demonstrating that application of the protectants will reduce the negative impacts of climate change induced stress on plant production, while also increasing the plant’s ability to tolerate attack from disease-causing microbes.

The successful fellow will use the latest scientific research tools to help us understand protectant-plant interactions, particularly molecular-level changes which may be heritable, and thus transferable through generations via seed. The work will be conducted by a national team of researchers present at Massey University, AgResearch, Scion, Otago University and Canterbury University, in conjunction with international (Singapore, Mexico, Austria, USA) research partners and led by Lincoln University.

We aim to deliver non-toxic, environmentally safe alternatives to existing and phased-out agricultural chemicals. This will help future-proof Aotearoas agricultural, horticultural and forestry production in the face of emerging climate change stressors.

Applicants should have a background in plant biology with an emphasis on molecular biology and a genuine interest in plant stress physiology. Relevant experience in bioinformatics is an advantage. Applicants should hold, or soon expect to hold, a PhD degree (or equivalent) in relevant life sciences.

The principal supervisor will be Associate Professor Paul Dijkwel (School of Natural Sciences, Massey University) and the location where most of the research will be undertaken is at the Manawatū (Palmerston North) campus. View us here, at

Working on this project provides the fellow ample opportunity to interact and collaborate with leading New Zealand researchers from several institutions. The fellow will acquire valuable skills applicable to the critically important area of research and development of plant health in a changing climate. All this will provide a solid foundation for further relevant international employment opportunities.

Massey University has a strong Plant Biology group with excellent plant growth facilities for performing experiments under both controlled and greenhouse conditions. Relevant to the project, the school hosts an extensive microscopy centre and a genomics facility.

You Will Fit With Us

• if you are curious, open-minded, and keen to learn and develop
• if you can work independently and strategically, but also work as part of a large team
• if you are interested in working in and being part of an international group
• if you are excited about a move to New Zealand
• If you have excellent communication skills in the English language.

We Can Offer You

• a highly motivated team with excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
• an inspiring research environment, the opportunity to attend conferences, and to develop personal strength through connections, learning, and a personal, dedicated supervision approach
• an exciting three-year Post-Doctoral position starting as soon as possible
• a 0.8-1.0 FTE (negotiable) Post-Doctoral salary of NZ$78,808 p.a. (full-time) for three years.

The position will commence as soon as possible. Applications must include (i) a cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements of this position, (ii) a CV, and (iii) contact information for at least two academic referees.

For any further information please contact Associate Professor Paul Dijkwel,

To view/download the job description, please view the vacancy on Massey job site https://masseyunicareers.nga.net.nz/cp/