Scientist & Senior Scientist Opportunities 

Farm Systems | Animal Science | Forage Science | Environmental  

Lincoln or Newstead 

Help shape the future of New Zealand dairy farming. 

At DairyNZ, we're tackling some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing New Zealand dairy farmers. From improving farm systems and pasture performance to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing animal health and welfare, and delivering practical science that farmers can use every day, our work is focused on creating real impact on farm. 

As we continue to strengthen our Research & Science capability, we are looking for talented scientists who want to help shape the future of agricultural science in New Zealand. 

Whether you're an established Scientist looking for your next challenge or an experienced Senior Scientist ready to lead and influence larger programmes of work, we'd love to hear from you. 

We're particularly interested in people with expertise in: 

• Farm Systems Science 

• Animal Science 

• Forage Science 

• Environmental Science 

If your expertise sits outside these areas but aligns with our purpose of progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming, we still encourage you to apply. 

About the opportunity 

Our scientists work in multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality applied research that improves the sustainability, profitability and productivity of New Zealand dairy farms. We work alongside farmers, industry partners, universities and research organisations to ensure our science remains relevant, credible and focused on the challenges that matter most. 

Depending on your experience, you may: 

• Design and deliver innovative research that addresses real-world challenges for dairy farmers. 

• Lead or contribute to significant research projects and programmes. 

• Translate scientific findings into practical tools, guidance and solutions that support on-farm adoption. 

• Collaborate across disciplines to solve complex farm system challenges. 

• Work closely with farmers and stakeholders to ensure science remains grounded in real-world needs. 

• Communicate research findings to a range of audiences, from farmers and industry groups through to scientific forums. 

• Contribute to shaping the future direction of New Zealand dairy farming through evidence-based science. 

For Senior Scientist opportunities, you will also play a broader leadership role, helping shape research directions, leading significant programmes of work, building partnerships, mentoring others, and contributing to DairyNZ’s scientific leadership and influence across the sector. 

We're committed to appointing the right people for the right opportunities. Appointments may be made at either Scientist or Senior Scientist level, depending on your skills, experience and demonstrated capability. 

About you 

You will be passionate about using science to create positive outcomes for New Zealand dairy farmers and the wider sector. 

We're looking for people who: 

• Enjoy solving complex scientific challenges. 

• Can connect technical science with practical farm system outcomes. 

• Thrive working collaboratively across disciplines and organisations. 

• Build strong relationships with farmers, industry and research partners. 

• Are curious, innovative and committed to continuous learning. 

• Can translate science into practical solutions and communicate effectively with a range of audiences. 

• Want to contribute to science that delivers meaningful impact beyond publication alone. 

You must hold a PhD in a relevant scientific discipline and bring experience in applied research. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to help shape the future of dairy farming through science. 

Why DairyNZ? 

At DairyNZ, you'll work alongside some of New Zealand's leading agricultural scientists while contributing to research that makes a genuine difference to dairy farmers and the wider sector. 

You will join a team focussed on building scientific capability, growing future talent, strengthening partnerships and increasing the visibility and impact of science for farmers. 

We offer: 

• Meaningful, purpose-driven work with national impact. 

• Collaborative, multidisciplinary science teams. 

• Opportunities to grow your career from Scientist through to Senior and Principal Scientist pathways. 

• Strong connections with farmers, industry, universities and research organisations. 

• Flexible working and a supportive team culture. 

• The opportunity to work from either our Lincoln or Newstead campus. 

Salary ranges: 

• Scientist: $105,000–$135,000 

• Senior Scientist: $120,000–$160,000 

Ready to make an impact? 

We're recruiting across a number of current and future opportunities, so if you're looking for your next opportunity in agricultural science, we'd love to hear from you. 

Apply today and tell us about your expertise, interests and where you'd like to make your greatest impact for New Zealand dairy farming.

For more information about these opportunities, including key responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the relevant Position Descriptions - Scientist here & Senior Scientist here

Applications close 19 August 2026 at 11:55pm