Research Technologist - Cream Products

About Fonterra and the Role

Fonterra Te Mātāpuna is a global dairy cooperative based in Palmerston North, New Zealand, embracing diversity and fostering growth for employees at all career stages. As part of this team, the Research Technologist will join the Cheese, Cream and Milkfat group at the Fonterra Research and Development Centre to contribute permanently to the innovation and commercialization of dairy products and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned research projects within defined scope, timelines, quality standards and budgets, proactively addressing risks and opportunities.
• Utilize hypothesis-driven methodologies to formulate research questions, design experiments, test assumptions and draw data-supported conclusions.
• Plan and conduct experiments and trials with strong methodological rigour, assuring reliable data and statistically valid interpretations.
• Interpret and communicate findings to provide actionable insights, weighing implications, trade-offs and next steps.
• Provide technical input for project plans, stage-gate assessments, trial designs, and innovation tactics to facilitate sound decisions through development stages.
• Assist in pilot, plant-scale, and customer validation processes to refine solutions and reduce uncertainties.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, commercial, regulatory, customer, and cross-disciplinary teams to translate complex technical content clearly.
• Maintain high scientific standards via robust design, reproducibility, peer review, critical analysis and knowledge sharing.
• Employ digital, data analytics and AI tools to improve productivity, insight generation, and decision quality.
• Safeguard intellectual property through accurate documentation, confidentiality and IP compliance.
• Adhere strictly to all quality, food safety, regulatory, and health and safety protocols while driving continuous improvements in research practices.

Candidate Profile

• PhD in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science or related field.
• Experience in food research and development, product innovation or technical environments.
• Proficient in hypothesis-driven research, experimental design, statistical analysis, data evaluation and making evidence-based recommendations.
• Hands-on skills in food technology including trial planning, meticulous record keeping, reporting and data interpretation.
• Familiarity with dairy products, ingredients, formulations and processing methods.
• Experience with pilot plant or commercial-scale food manufacturing operations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills capable of clearly presenting technical information.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate effectively with both internal teams and external partners.
• Customer-oriented approach translating technical concepts to practical business solutions.
• Preferably experience or knowledge related to cream products, milk fat systems, UHT creams, cream cheese, butter or food colloids.

Values and Inclusion

Fonterra promotes values of collective excellence, continuous improvement, and sustainability. The company fosters an inclusive environment welcoming diversity in ethnicity, gender, identity, orientation, age, ability, neurodiversity, culture and religion. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if not meeting every listed criterion. Support for accessibility and accommodations is available to ensure fair participation.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive and fair compensation
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs including medical and mental health support
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
• Support for work-life balance including flexible and hybrid working options where applicable
• Recognition of achievements
• Encouragement of community engagement and cultural connections

Application Details

Applications close midnight Tuesday, 11th August. This opportunity invites candidates to be part of an innovative cooperative shaping the future of dairy globally while contributing locally.