Te kāinga iho pūmanawa - A Place Where Talent Wants to Live  

• Deep technical foresight and an innovative mindset
• The ability to work alongside some of Aotearoa's most talented individuals 
• The chance to make a real difference in the innovation journey of our country

About the role

As a Principal Research Scientist, you will bring world-class technical expertise, technical programme leadership, and customer focus to solve highly complex problems for the New Zealand industry. With deep technical foresight and an innovative mindset, you will play a key role in contributing to the strategic technical direction for the Innovation Expertise hapū and will act as a technical mentor for fellow scientists and engineers.

There is significant consumer-led pressure surrounding the use of plastics and polymers. We want to help New Zealand's industry respond positively to these challenges.

We're looking for a creative and passionate applied scientist interested in:

• cleantech and circular economy
• breaking down the barriers to uptake of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics
• product design to minimise plastic usage
• driving disposal and recycling up the waste hierarchy
• polymer processing and manufacturing.

You will bring technical leadership and industry knowledge in this field, to assist our team in growing New Zealand's businesses by solving highly complex technical problems and accelerating commercialisation.

As a Principal Research Scientist, you will collaborate and engage both internally and with external parties to develop solutions for difficult challenges faced by the New Zealand industry. This will require someone with strengths in problem-solving and driving success through technical leadership, as well as significant experience in leading and managing project teams, with a strong focus on the customer.

What's more, this role will also provide ample opportunity to pass on your technical expertise through mentoring and coaching through the variety of tasks and project deliverables at hand.

About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

Technical skills

• A proven history in the characterisation, fabrication, and testing of polymer/plastic materials
• Experience with technology transfer, scale-up, and product development
• Excellent project management skills with an ability to reliably scope new projects and ensure delivery of complex projects possessing significant uncertainty

Essential skills

• Ability to self-manage, use initiative and juggle competing demands
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to relate, coach, influence and motivate others
• Excellent communication skills, and ability to pitch the message appropriately to different audiences
• Proven professional credibility to engage effectively with senior leaders and external parties
• Strong problem-solving ability and resourcefulness, with an ability to resolve issues and manage risk
• Proven ability to work constructively/collaboratively with teams and partners (industry and research alike)
• Excellent planning and organisational skills

 Qualifications and experience:

• A strong technical qualification (e.g. Ph.D.) in polymer/plastics/materials science/engineering
• Acknowledged as an expert and leader in their field of science and/or technology with a reputation for delivering successful, high-quality solutions for the industry
• A proven record of consistently delivering successful, high-quality solutions for the industry
• A proven track record of attracting commercial contracts and/or research grants
• Proven experience leading project/programme teams, including planning and organising
• Strong connections with CRIs, universities, and other overseas research institutes
• Strong connections with New Zealand companies and industry contacts
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• An advanced understanding of how their specialist field underpins industry

Why work for us

Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand's innovation agency. We activate innovation and help businesses grow faster for a better New Zealand. 

To do this we partner with ambitious businesses of all sizes, delivering a range of innovation and research and development (R&D) services to suit each stage of their growth. Our staff - including more than 160 of New Zealand's leading scientists and engineers - empower innovators by connecting people, opportunities, and networks. We also provide tailored technical solutions, skills and capability development programmes, and co-funded grants for R&D projects.

A career with Callaghan Innovation will challenge you and provide you with opportunities to showcase your skills and abilities. You will be working with committed, like-minded people striving to make "Aotearoa a place where talent wants to live" (Sir Paul Callaghan), whilst giving you the support to reach your full potential.

Supportive culture, flexible working, and career development opportunities are just some of the things you will enjoy here.

This is a unique opportunity to use your skills and experience to help shape New Zealand's future R&D direction.

If you are looking for the opportunity to make a difference in a busy and exciting role, please APPLY NOW. 

Applications close Thursday, 26 May 2022.

Please contact recruitment@callaghaninnovation.govt.nz if you have any questions or refer to the Job Description attached.

You must have the right to live and work in NZ to apply for this job.

(All applicants are welcome to apply for this role, understanding that this may be a lengthy process if you do not currently have a working visa, a NZ Citizen or a NZ Permanent Resident).

Callaghan Innovation is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all our employees. We have a COVID-19 vaccination policy that is under regular review as Government recommendations and requirements transpire.  

We value inclusivity and diversity at Callaghan Innovation. We know that candidates from neurodiverse and underrepresented backgrounds often only apply for roles if they meet all the criteria. We like to make our hiring decisions based on more than just your previous job experience and qualifications, so if you're keen to apply but are not sure you meet all of the requirements or need additional support please let us know. We also encourage you to advise us of the pronouns you use at any point during the recruitment process.