Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow

Te Kura Pūtaiao Koiora | School of Biological Sciences

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury

Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand

• Full-time (1.0 FTE, 37.5 hours per week)
• Fixed-term position for 3 years
• Start date: Ideally by mid-July 2025 or as close as possible

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

We invite applications for a Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow to join a collaborative research initiative aimed at mitigating the impact of Red Needle Cast (RNC) disease on New Zealand's forestry industry. RNC, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora pluvialis, poses a significant threat to Pinus radiata, a cornerstone species in New Zealand's NZ$6 billion per annum forestry sector.

Traditional reliance on copper-based fungicides is environmentally unsustainable, necessitating innovative, plant-focused resistance strategies. This project will focus on studying radiata pine and P. pluvialis, with emphasis on applying RNA silencing for pathogen control and optimising high-throughput phenotyping pipelines for P. radiata.

This role is part of a national, integrated effort involving the University of Canterbury (UC), Massey University, AgResearch, and the Radiata Pine Breeding Company (RPBC). The successful candidate will be based at UC within the Meisrimler group and co-mentored by Dr. Claudia Meisrimler (UC) and A/Prof Dr. Carl Mesarich (Massey University).

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team from the University of Canterbury, Massey University, AgResearch, and RPBC. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a significant national effort addressing a critical issue in New Zealand's forestry sector. For more background information on the research carried out by Dr. Claudia Meisrimler and A/Prof Dr. Carl Mesarich, please see their Google Scholar profiles:

Dr. Claudia Meisrimler: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=TWw4ey4AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

A/Prof Dr. Carl Mesarich: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&hl=en&user=6QblRM4AAAA

Mōu | Who You Are

You will have completed a PhD in Biology or a related discipline / or Master's degree if applying for Research Associate (as applicants nearing completion of their PhD in the stated subject area, will also be considered).

You will ideally have the following:

• Demonstrated expertise in molecular plant pathology, with strong research leadership and design capabilities.
• Experience working with Phytphthora pluvialis and/or its host Pinus radiata.
• Managing the collection, cultivation, and spore production of Phytophthora.
• Clear understanding of RNA silencing application for pathogen treatments.
• Proven publication record and experience in presenting research to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly across disciplines.
• A proactive approach to collaborative research and student mentorship.
• Commitment to professional integrity, high-quality outputs, and constructive performance development.
• Demonstrated understanding of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

With nearly 100 staff and several hundred students, UC's School of Biological Sciences is a large and dynamic school offering a diverse range of courses across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

For more information about our School and team, please visit us here - School of Biological Sciences | University of Canterbury

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements
• Supportive working environment
• Generous annual leave provisions and competitive salary
• Professional development opportunities
• A unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff club at discounted rates plus onsite café's and eateries, and more

For more information, please visit: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit www.canterbury.ac.nz

The closing date for this position is: 30 June 2025 (midnight, NZ time)

Applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include the following:

• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of relevant research publications.

If you have any further questions concerning the position and/or the project, please send an email to Dr. Claudia Meisrimler at claudia.meisrimler@canterbury.ac.nz

We do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz  

Please Note: Candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant Doctoral qualification, will also be considered. Upon appointment, if the Doctoral qualification is yet to be awarded, the title of Research Associate will be applied and the salary will reflect the Research Associate salary scale.

Appointable salary for a Post Doctoral Fellow will be $62,845p.a. - $94,248 p.a.

Appointable salary for a Research Associate will be $62,845 p.a. - $73,306 p.a.

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.