Senior Research Technologist - Discovery Research Platform - Flavour

Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves. Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co‑operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution. Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change. Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity We are seeking a Senior Research Technologist to join the Discovery Research Flavour Platform on a permanent basis at our Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North. In this role you will have the opportunity to bring your flavour chemistry expertise to a role that will help shape the future of Fonterra’s flavour science capability. You will play a key role in building and applying flavouromics, analytical chemistry and predictive flavour systems to better understand how raw milk, processing conditions, chemistry and sensory outcomes connect across the dairy value chain. Working across R&D, manufacturing, and Market teams you’ll lead hypothesis‑driven analytical research, develop value add flavour research programmes and will be called on to translate complex scientific data into practical insights. Your work will support more consistent products, faster root‑cause investigations, stronger customer confidence and new opportunities to create value through world‑class flavour science. Key role responsibilities include: Lead the development of Fonterra’s flavour baseline and flavouromics capability, connecting chemistry, sensory insights, processing conditions and product performance. Provide deep technical expertise in flavour chemistry, including advanced analytical methods, flavour marker identification and hypothesis‑driven research. Partner with research teams to develop predictive flavour models, digital tools and decision‑support systems. Lead flavour‑related investigations and root‑cause analysis, translating complex analytical findings into practical recommendations for manufacturing, quality and product teams. Collaborate across R&D, manufacturing, marketing and external partners to deliver high‑quality science outcomes. Build and protect long‑term flavouromics capability through knowledge capture, IP generation, external networking and technology scouting Mōu | About You You’ll bring strong expertise in flavour chemistry, food chemistry, analytical chemistry, dairy science or a related field, with a solid understanding of volatile and aroma‑active compound analysis. You will thrive in translating scientific knowledge into practical and implementable outcomes. Curious, collaborative and commercially minded, you’ll connect chemistry, sensory insights, processing conditions and product quality outcomes. Working confidently across cross‑functional teams, you’ll translate complex analytical data into practical recommendations, influence stakeholders and help strengthen Fonterra’s flavour science capability. You will also bring: A PhD qualification in chemistry, food science, dairy science or a related scientific discipline Proven experience in flavour chemistry, analytical chemistry, food or dairy science, ideally within a research, product development, manufacturing or quality environment. Strong technical capability in analytical method development, flavour marker identification, data interpretation and root‑cause investigation. The ability to translate complex scientific findings into clear, practical recommendations for a range of technical and non‑technical stakeholders. A collaborative, curious and solutions‑focused approach, with the confidence to influence, share knowledge and contribute to long‑term scientific capability Our Values | Ngā Aura At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone - no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our [1] Values Quiz Our Commitment to You | Tā mātou oati We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well‑being, development, and work‑life balance: Fair and equitable pay Health and well‑being programs (medical, mental health support) Professional development opportunities Career growth support Work‑life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible) Employee recognition Support for community involvement and cultural connection To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers A Career of Opportunities | Ngā Mahi At Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co‑operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here. Join Us | Tātou Tātou Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together. You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou. Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion | He Wāhi mō te Katoa Inclusion is key to our Co‑operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions). Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth. If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou . Applications close at midnight on Tuesday, 18th of August. References Visible links 1. https://values.fonterra.com/?utm_source=internal+job+ad&utm_medium=job+ad&utm_campaign=imagine+tomorrow&utm_term=&utm_content=values 2. https://www.fonterra.com/nz/en/careers.html?utm_campaign=talentacquisition&utm_medium=jobad&utm_source=fonterracareers #J-18808-Ljbffr