Position Title: Researcher - Mycologist
- Permanent
- Full
- Auckland
Mō te Pakihi | About the Company:
As part of the Government's reset of the science, innovation and technology system, on 1 July 2025, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion merged to form the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science, trading as the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
This merger has created a world-class research organisation of globally significant size and scale, with over 2,000 employees — including scientists, researchers, and support staff. It brings together fundamental science knowledge and expertise in the natural resources that underpin the bioeconomy and the native estate, alongside applied research capabilities in manufacturing, agritech and biotech, and the food and fibre sectors.
Our people drive innovation and commercial outcomes in the bioeconomy, using research and technology to support enduring economic growth and resilience, a healthy environment, and positive social outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.
This position sits within the Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research (MWLR) Group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role
We are seeking an experienced, talented and motivated senior mycologist to join our team, to lead research in fungal biodiversity and taxonomy. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in securing research funding alongside and delivering high-quality applied scientific outputs that meet stakeholder needs, and thrive in a dynamic research environment.
This is a vital role contributing to our cutting-edge applied research. As our preferred candidate, you will enjoy a savvy commercial bias towards seeking and managing project funding. The candidate will also collaborate on curation and collection management activities, including our nomenclatural and specimen databases.
As our preferred candidate, you will actively work with specimens in our Nationally Significant Collections, and collaborate with researchers and technical staff at the New Zealand Fungarium (PDD) and the International Collection of Microorganisms from Plants (ICMP), and the Restoring Ecosystems Group and the Bioeconomy Science Institute. You will build and nurture relationships with end-users across local and national organisations, including Māori, as well as within the international research community
This position is permanent, full-time, reports to a Capability Leader in the Systematics Team (Restoring Ecosystems Science Group) and is based at our Auckland site.
The starting remuneration would be between $103,500 to $135,000 per annum depending on relevant experience.
Ō pūmanawa | About you
You will possess a PhD in Mycology, with 3 to 5 years of postdoctoral research experience. You bring demonstrated expertise in fungal taxonomy and biodiversity research, supported by a strong publication record in relevant scientific fields. Your technical expertise may be in fungal taxonomy, biodiversity research, database and specimen curation, systematics, microscopy, DNA sequencing, genomic analysis, molecular phylogenetics, or bioinformatics or a combination of these skills. You have a proven ability to secure competitive research funding and possess excellent project management and collaboration skills. Desirable attributes include experience with bacterial diversity, taxonomy, or ecology.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
As an employee of Bioeconomy Science Institute MWLR Group, you will work with passionate and talented people and enjoy supportive employee benefits such as an annual leave entitlement of 4 weeks and 4 days, generous sick leave, paid parental leave, 3 paid MWLR days between Christmas and New Year, as well as income maintenance and life insurance benefits and flexible working options. You will also have the opportunity for personal growth and career development
The Bioeconomy Science Institute MWLR Group embraces diversity and is committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we celebrate and respect diversity in all its forms including ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. We also welcome and support neurodiverse individuals and recognise the value of different ways of thinking.
Tono Mai | Apply Now!
Enquiries about the position may be directed to Anita Steinemann, [email protected]. For further details about the Bioeconomy Science Institute can be found on our website, watch this short clip: Manaaki Whenua and visit our group website: www.landcareresearch.co.nz
Applications close on 12 September 2025 at 5:00pm NZT
