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CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK INFORMATION CANDIDATE 2021 Division of Sciences Department of Food Science Department of Food Professor (Associate Professor) of Agricultural Innovation of Agricultural (Associate Professor) Professor CONTENTS
01 Welcome
02 About the role
03 University of Otago
05 Division of Sciences
07 Department of Food Science
09 Position profile
11 Person profile
13 Living in Dunedin
15 Application process 01 02
WELCOME from the Vice-Chancellor About the Role
Professor (Associate Professor) of Agricultural Innovation Thank you for your interest in this position at the University of Otago.
Our cultural location in the southern Pacific has also The University of Otago, New Zealand’s top ranked become an important component of our institutional university for teaching outcomes, and research quality, identity and we have developed deep and strong links invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to Pacific communities, both within New Zealand and for the position of Professor (or Associate Professor) of across the wider Pacific region. Agricultural Innovation.
In the years since, the University of Otago has The successful candidate will have a distinguished combined the traditions of this proud history with record of research and scholarship and expertise in modern scholarship, and earned an international agriculture or food systems and the ability to provide reputation for teaching and research excellence. strong academic leadership. The candidate will have a sustained record of achievement that demonstrates We rank in the top 1 per cent of universities in commitment to high quality teaching and research, the the world and have been awarded five stars plus ability to work co-operatively with staff and students, a – the highest rating possible – from the QS Stars successful record in postgraduate supervision, and the international quality evaluation system in recognition ability to promote research activity and attract research not only for our exceptional teaching and research, but funding. also for innovation, inclusiveness, internationalisation, the high standard of our facilities and the The successful candidate will be expected to act as employability of our graduates. director of a newly developed teaching programme in Applied Sciences, involving multidisciplinary The University of Otago has become an enduring aspects of agricultural innovation. The candidate will educational, cultural and economic force in both the support scholarly research and publication, supervise city of Dunedin and in New Zealand as a whole. We undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, take seriously our role as critic and conscience of and take appropriate responsibilities within Applied society, and we attract students from throughout New Sciences programme, the Division of Sciences, the Zealand and around the world, providing them with a Department of Food Science and University levels. world-class education and encouraging them to be the best they can be. The Agricultural Innovation programme overall will be I am very proud to be the Vice-Chancellor of this administered by the Head of Food Science reporting outstanding University. Grounded in a distinctively At Otago, you have the opportunity to be part of through to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences). Scottish commitment to the value of education for an outstanding academic community, offering both people of diverse backgrounds, the University of Otago challenges and opportunities. This will be an exciting developed into an institution distinguished by its and rewarding role; I welcome your application. excellent teaching and research of the highest-quality.
We are committed to working closely with iwi and Professor Harlene Hayne, Māori organisations and mātauraka Māori has become ONZM, PhD, HonDSc, FRSNZ an integral part of teaching and research across the Vice-Chancellor institution. Our relationship with Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua within their takiwā of Te Waipounamu and, through this, as the University’s principal Treaty partner is especially important. 03
The University of Otago Te Whare Wānanga o Otago
The University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university and one of its finest. It is a leader across all fields of academic endeavour – the humanities, sciences, health sciences and business – regularly topping the New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission’s education performance indicators.
Students can choose from more than 190 undergrad- The University of Otago is also strategically committed uate and postgraduate programmes and are taught by to furthering the aspirations of Māori, and our Pacific leaders in their fields. The high calibre of teaching at neighbours, and has memoranda of understanding with Otago is reflected by an unparalleled record of success a number of iwi, in particular Ngāi Tahu, the mana in the country’s Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards. whenua of the University’s main area of operation.
Research excellence underpins all academic activity: With more than 80 per cent of students coming from more than 4,500 of the University’s 20,000 students outside Dunedin, the University offers a unique study at the postgraduate level. The University has lead- campus-based lifestyle, a special feature of which are ership roles in national Centres of Research Excellence the 15 residential colleges located close to the heart of and partnership roles in the country’s National Science all University activities. Challenges. It also hosts 13 multidisciplinary research themes and 14 research centres, including two of the Providing a world-class environment for students and world’s most highly regarded health and development staff is a priority and the University has embarked on longitudinal studies. It is the home of New Zealand's a significant capital development programme in recent first medical school and only schools of dentistry and years. Otago was the first New Zealand university to surveying. achieve Fair Trade status and the recently established University Volunteer Centre is fostering a growing The teaching year generally runs from February to culture of volunteerism among staff and students. November, broken into two 13-week semesters. A number of programmes are offered via Distance Learning and a Summer School is held for six weeks during January and February. Further information is available from the University’s website otago.ac.nz as well In addition to research and teaching excellence, the as a number of other publications including: University is committed through its Strategic Direction to 2020 to local, national and international betterment; The Annual Report strong external engagement; sustainable capability; otago.ac.nz/about/official-documents providing outstanding student experiences and campus environments. The main campus is located in Dunedin He Kitenga Research Highlights – internationally recognised as one of the most beautiful otago.ac.nz/hekitenga campuses in the world – with significant health sciences campuses in Christchurch and Wellington, as well as a Otago Magazine presence in Invercargill and Auckland. otago.ac.nz/otagomagazine University of Otago InBrief otago.ac.nz/inbrief 05 06
Division of Sciences Te Rohe a Ahikaroa
The Division of Sciences has research and teaching strengths in the fundamental and applied sciences, in human performance and health, and in environmental sciences. It offers several disciplines unique to Otago and hosts a number of nationally and internationally acclaimed research centres.
Research Excellence Teaching, Facilities and Support Division of Sciences Departments: Research and science are inseparable – science The Division’s outstanding research performance marches forward because of research and, as it does, enriches a broad range of high-quality teaching • Botany we understand more of the physical and biological programmes spanning the fundamental sciences, • Chemistry subtleties of our existence. applied sciences, human performance, health, • Computer Science neuroscience and multidisciplinary curricula in the • Food Science Otago’s Division of Sciences includes many ecological and environmental sciences. • Geology departments and centres world-renowned for the • Human Nutrition The pursuit of teaching and research in a friendly quality – and impact – of their research. The Dunedin • Marine Science supportive environment is a priority and the Division Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research • Mathematics and Statistics offers first-rate expertise. This is complemented by Unit (or Dunedin Study) is now in its fifth decade • Physics superb laboratories and facilities for in situ fieldwork and has been awarded New Zealand’s most prestigious • Psychology that meet and, in most cases, exceed the standards science honour, the Prime Minister’s Science Prize. • School of Physical Education, necessary to remain at the cutting edge of knowledge. The School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sport and Exercise Sciences Sciences has been ranked 12th in the QS World The Division of Sciences also has a well-established • School of Surveying University Rankings. Sciences Outreach programme, run by both staff and • Zoology students. This includes Hands-On at Otago, the Otago The Division is also the proud host of two national University Advanced Schools Sciences Academy, and Centres of Research Excellence (CoREs): the Dodd- Science Wānanga for Māori secondary school students. The Division offers inter-departmental Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies Its departments, schools and research centres offer more programmes in: and Coastal People: Southern Skies. Continued success than 150 outreach programmes to local, national and • Applied Science in securing major contestable and commercial funding, international communities each year. In collaboration • Ecology and international partnerships further strengthen our with the Otago Museum, the Division also hosts an • Environmental Science research capabilities. extensive interactive expo as part of the International • Genetics Science Festival – a major event in Dunedin’s biennial • Neuroscience Research centres and themes focus on brain health calendar – highlighting research from across the • Plant Biotechnology and disease; memory, cognition and emotion; Sciences disciplines. • Science Communication human development across the lifecourse; Māori • Wildlife Management physical education and health; the profitability and sustainability of New Zealand’s primary industries; quantum science; polar environments; ocean acidification; catchment management; and energy with strong affiliations to research in other areas of the University. Applied research centres in several departments further strengthen and diversify the range of research within the Division.
otago.ac.nz/sciences 07 08
Department of Food Science Te Tari Putaiao Kai
The Department of Food Science is within the Division of Sciences but maintains strong links with other departments and other Divisions through collaborative research and teaching.
At the Department of Food Science we teach and Further details about the Department of Food Science, research an understanding of food, its components, its staff, courses, and research interests can be obtained quality and consumer appeal. from their web site: https://www.otago.ac.nz/food-science/about/index. At the University of Otago, Food Science courses and html papers aim to prepare people for creative, challenging, diverse and rewarding food industry careers.
The Department of Food Science currently offers two undergraduate degree programmes:
• Food Science taken as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) • Consumer Food Science taken as a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc).
The Department of Food Science has always distinguished itself by concentrating on fundamental sciences including chemistry, microbiology, sensory/ consumer science and a small degree of processing. Consumer Food Science also explores consumer attitudes, food policy and regulatory environments.
In addition to our undergraduate degree programmes, we offer a number ofpostgraduate and research opportunities within our department to those who wish to further their knowledge and understanding and be part of future developments in this science.
The Department of Food Science hasWorld-class facilities and our own Product Development Research Centre. We can support a range of research projects both 'in-house' and in collaboration with other departments, universities and organisations in New Zealand and around the world.
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Position Profile Professor (Associate Professor) of Agricultural Innovation
Key Responsibilities include:
Research Expectations Other Expectations • Demonstrate outstanding leadership in research, • Take a leadership role in the administration of Applied publication and/or leadership and exceptional ability Sciences and University planning and/or governance. and original thought in professional practice relevant • Represent the Department through contributions to to the Agricultural Innovation discipline resulting in committees, working parties etc within the Division of advancing knowledge within the discipline. Sciences or the wider University. • Produce quality assured publications within the • Commit to high ethical standards and to the principles Agricultural Innovation discipline, either individually of the Treaty of Waitangi. or as part of a group resulting in advancing knowledge within Agricultural Innovation. Refer also www.otago.ac.nz/humanresources/training/ • Provide leadership in the development and academic-staff/academic-titles/index.html implementation of methods of quality assurance in research. Confirmation Path/Tenure • Engage with different stakeholders such as farming organisations and funding agencies to shape directions This is a full-time confirmation path appointment with in teaching and research relevant to agriculture, the confirmation of appointment after five years, subject to biological economy and food production. satisfactory performance. Early confirmation for Professors is • Make a significant contribution to the research possible after three years. environment in at least one area of agricultural innovation namely agriculture technology, agribusiness, Equal Employment Opportunities agriculture and environment, or agriculture and food The Division of Sciences is strongly committed to diversity production. in staffing and we encourage applications from women and other under-represented groups who are suitably qualified. Teaching Expectations Parental leave without pay of up to 52 weeks including paid parental leave of up to twelve weeks’ salary may be granted. • Provide leadership in the development and The Otago University Childcare Centre operates childcare implementation of curriculum and interdisciplinary facilities covering the period from birth to 5 years. undergraduate and postgraduate programme in Agricultural Innovation. Treaty of Waitangi and the Māori Strategic Framework • Show outstanding leadership in teaching relating to Agricultural Innovation and have a strong ability to The Division of Sciences is committed to its obligations inspire high academic achievement. under the Treaty of Waitangi and the University’s Māori • Conduct research-informed teaching in accordance with Strategic Framework. The Division’s broader aims include their share of the Applied Sciences teaching programme. improving the recruitment, retention and support of Māori • Conduct research-informed teaching in accordance with students and staff; developing research that is of relevance to their share of the Department’s teaching programme. Māori, as well as research that is sensitive to Māori research • Teach to a standard which meets the quality standards protocols; and establishing oversight which will link the expected within Applied Sciences. Division of Sciences with Ngāi Tahu and other stakeholders. 11
Person Profile
Candidates must:
• Have a PhD in a relevant field. • Have teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. • Have proven research success, and the ability to establish a successful research programme at the University of Otago. • Have leadership and team building abilities. • Have experience in establishing and maintaining excellent communication with a wide range of individuals within the New Zealand Agricultural sector. • Preferably have administrative experience in an academic environment involving Agriculture.
Required for appointment at professorial level:
• An excellent academic record, including high academic and professional standing in Agriculture. There should be an extensive record of research outputs of international standard and a significant record of research grant funding from major research funding agencies. • Evidence of leadership of successful research teams, and experience in postgraduate student supervision at doctoral level. • A record of successful scientific leadership. 13 14
Living in Dunedin
The University of Otago’s southern roots are anchored in its formal relationship with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu and the legacy of the city’s Scottish settlers who established a university here within just 21 years of founding the province from which the University takes its name.
Dunedin grew rich on the back of the 1860s Otago gold Dunedin is also the gateway to Central Otago: the resort rush, a wealth that is reflected today in streetscapes towns of Wanaka and Queenstown – New Zealand’s of outstanding Victorian and Edwardian architecture. adventure capital – are just over three hours’ drive away. With a population of around 130,000, this is a small Skiing, snowboarding, boating, mountain-biking and but sophisticated city, boasting many of the amenities wine tasting are just a few of the many activities to be and cultural richness usually only found in much larger enjoyed. urban centres, while still retaining its traditional friend- liness and ease of getting around. However, it is education that is one of Dunedin’s most defining features and its major industry. This is a true In Dunedin there are professional theatres, outstanding student city. In addition to the University of Otago, the art galleries, museums and libraries. Dunedin is also city hosts a thriving polytechnic and excellent pre- recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature. For those school, primary and secondary education facilities. who enjoy sports, Dunedin offers world-class sporting University students, staff and their families comprise facilities – including New Zealand’s only covered sta- more than one quarter of the population of urban Dun- dium. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Dunedin has edin, enriching the intellectual, cultural and sporting beautiful beaches and internationally acclaimed wildlife life of the city. sanctuaries. The world’s only mainland royal albatross colony is located on the headland above Otago Harbour. And, while Dunedin is located in the south of New Zea- land, it is very well connected. The region has two in- ternational airports with direct flights to Australia, and Dunedin is New Zealand’s first GigCity with one gigabit per second broadband services. Sister city relationships are fostered with Edinburgh (Scotland), Otaru (Japan) and Shanghai (China).
More information about living in Dunedin is available at The heart of the city is lined with cafes and restaurants, dunedinnz.com and modern shopping complexes trade alongside inter- esting boutiques and a weekly farmer's market that pro- vides an outlet for much of the area’s first-rate produce. Housing is affordable, both to buy and rent. Thanks to the foresight of the early planners, there are many parks and green spaces, and outstanding views are commonplace from the city’s hillside suburbs. 15
Application process
Submitting an Application
Submitting an Application The University seeks written documents from candidates wishing to apply for the role. Candidates are required to provide: • A CV, including employment history.
• A letter of application.
• 3-4 referee contact details, including telephone number and email address
Confidential enquiries may be directed to: Professor Richard Barker Pro-Vice-Chancellor Division of Sciences [email protected]
Referees The University may contact all three or four referees listed in the application. The candidate should also state their relationship with each referee. Referees will only be contacted after prior consultation with the candidate. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that their referees are willing to provide reports when contacted.
The University reserves the right to seek reports on the suitability of candidates from experts in the field, other than those nominated by the candidate. Should an applicant not wish a specific person or persons to be contacted, please advise the recruitment team at the time of application.
Date of Appointment Applicants are asked to indicate the date they would expect to be available to take up the appointment. The appointment is available immediately.