Software Developer - Data and Digital

The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research – Te Puke Develop specialist software supporting New Zealand's kiwifruit breeding programme Apply your software engineering expertise to real-world horticultural research Work alongside scientists and breeders to accelerate cultivar development What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Software Developer to support the Kiwifruit Data Programme and the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre. You will develop and maintain science informatics systems used to capture, manage, analyse, and deliver breeding and research data that supports the development of future kiwifruit cultivars. Working closely with scientists, breeders, Technical Product Owners and other software developers, you will: Design, develop, test and maintain software applications and services. Support data capture and analysis platforms used within kiwifruit breeding and research programmes. Develop REST APIs, database solutions, and modern web applications. Contribute to software quality through automated testing, peer reviews and continuous improvement. Collaborate with scientists and breeding teams to deliver practical, user-focused solutions. To be successful in this role, you will have: A relevant tertiary qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent industry experience. At least five years' commercial software development experience using Java, including Spring Boot. Strong experience with ReactJS or Angular. Experience working with MySQL, PostgreSQL and other database technologies. Experience developing automated tests and RESTful APIs. Experience working in Agile development environments. Demonstrated knowledge and practical understanding of plant breeding principles, genetic selection methodologies, and crop improvement processes. Strong understanding of kiwifruit breeding, kiwifruit research systems, and new cultivar development. The ability to contribute effectively with minimal onboarding and quickly build productive relationships with scientists, breeders, and stakeholders. Highly desirable Experience working within the horticulture sector. Experience supporting breeding, genetics, or agricultural research programmes. Exposure to Docker, Jenkins, Apache Kafka and Couchbase. Knowledge of geospatial technologies and data. Additional programming experience in Python, C#, C++, R or PHP. New fruits, better grains, smarter use of chemicals, stronger biosecurity, higher yields, exciting foods, great nutrition, and reduced waste. We answer complex biological questions, develop innovative products and technologies, and look beyond the horizon for new ways to grow a smart green future. As a Software Developer supporting the Kiwifruit Data Programme, you will help build the digital systems that underpin kiwifruit breeding and cultivar development. This is an opportunity to apply your specialist software engineering and horticultural knowledge to research that delivers real-world impact for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry. This role will require regular attendance at the Te Puke office to work closely with people from the Kiwifruit Data Programme. At Plant & Food Research Group, we offer excellent employee benefits and flexibility, such as; Four weeks annual leave, additional 7 days’ leave and generous paid parental leave Excellent benefit choices in retirement savings and wellbeing & health Focus on health and wellbeing with enhanced sick leave We've built something new. AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion have come together to form the Bioeconomy Science Institute. 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 Plant & Food Research group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute. For further details about the Bioeconomy Science Institute can be found on our website, watch this Bioeconomy Science Institute short clip. We welcome applicants who are excited to join us on this change journey. #J-18808-Ljbffr