Early-Career Researcher - Geomorphology/Erosion Processes
Mō te Pakihi | About the Company:
We're building something new. On 1 July 2025, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion came together to form the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Now, we are more than 2200 people working to support the growth and resilience of the bioeconomy in New Zealand and beyond.
Together, our world-class science can do more to advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology and manufacturing; protect and enhance ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and develop new bio-based technologies and products.
This position sits under the current Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research (MWLR) group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role
We are looking for an exceptional early- to mid-career analytical researcher to join our high-impact erosion and sediment processes team.
We require a researcher who will contribute to research in the understanding, modelling, and mitigation of erosion and sediment processes spanning hillslope, catchment, regional, and national scales. The position will involve investigations ranging from detailed field- and remote-sensing-based data collection to catchment and regional-scale modelling, and will contribute directly to the development of improved erosion and sediment transport models. We are especially interested in researchers who can apply innovative data collection methods and analysis to improve knowledge of erosion mitigation performance and how mitigations can be incorporated in models.
The position will also support the development of research programmes and funding proposals, including consultancy projects, and will help strengthen relationships with key collaborators and end-users of our research.
This is a permanent position working with a dedicated team of erosion/sediment process researchers, and reporting to a Capability Leader within the Soils & Landscapes Team. The position is based in Palmerston North (New Zealand) but we may consider other MWLR sites, and is full time (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday).
The mid-career Researcher position has a starting salary in the range of $103,500 to $115,000 per annum. The early-career Researcher position has a starting salary in the range of $87,118 - $96,798. We will offer a position and starting salary depending on relevant experience.
Ō pūmanawa | About you
As a mid-career Researcher will hold a PhD in Geomorphology or a related discipline (with an emphasis on erosion and sediment processes) ideally with at least 2-3 years' experience post-PhD. , The early-career Researcher will hold a relevant postgraduate qualification in Geomorphology or a related discipline.
You will ideally demonstrate expertise in erosion and sediment processes and modelling, statistical and geospatial modelling, remote sensing technologies and techniques, and methods of erosion/sediment loss mitigation. You will have a strong mix of research and digital skills, including experience with Geographic Information Systems, scripting/programming for modelling (particularly R and Python), high performance computing, and a functional capability in statistical analysis and interpretation.
You will also have fieldwork experience, including using novel data collection methods.
As a mid-career researcher, you will have a track record in attracting research funding, and an excellent standard of communication and publication, including senior authorship and presentation of your research in science fora.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
As an employee of Bioeconomy Science Institute MWLR Group, you will work with passionate and talented people and enjoy supportive employee benefits such as an annual leave entitlement of 4 weeks and 4 days, generous sick leave, paid parental leave, 3 paid MWLR days between Christmas and New Year, as well as income maintenance and life insurance benefits and flexible working options. You will also have the opportunity for personal growth and career development. Whilst working on site is our preferred way of working, we do support a flexible working environment, with requests for both informal and formal flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to 40% of the time given due consideration.
The Bioeconomy Science Institute MWLR Group embraces diversity and is committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we celebrate and respect diversity in all its forms including ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. We also welcome and support neurodiverse individuals and recognise the value of different ways of thinking.
Tono Mai | Apply Now!
Enquiries about the position may be directed to Jeanette King, KingJM@landcareresearch.co.nz. For further details about the Bioeconomy Science Institute can be found on our website, watch this Bioeconomy Science Institute short clip.
Applications close on 10th October 2025 at 5.00pm NZT
Job Details
Crown research instituteManaaki WhenuaReference #59463Posted on25 Sep 2025Closes on10 Oct 2025 17:00Location(s)Palmerston NorthExpertiseFarm Systems & EnvironmentJob level(s)ExperiencedWork type(s)PermanentMore details (document) Position Descriptions - Researcher and Early Career Researcher September 2025.pdf