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Research Technologist - Cream Products

Job Name
Research Technologist

General Information

Date Published
28-Jul-2026
Advertising Ends
11-Aug-2026
ID#
15784
Role Type
Science & Technology
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Manawatu

Position Description

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 have an exciting opportunity for a Research Technologist to join our Cheese, Cream and Milkfat team at the Fonterra Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North on a permanent basis.

In this role, you’ll contribute to the development of innovative dairy products and technologies, supporting projects from concept through to commercialisation. Working across new product development, new technology development and technical business support, you’ll apply your food technology expertise to help create high-value solutions for Fonterra’s consumer, ingredient and foodservice businesses.

You’ll be hands-on in research, trials and data analysis, while also working closely with internal teams and external partners to turn ideas into practical, commercially relevant outcomes. This is a great opportunity to use your technical knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills to help shape the future of Fonterra’s cream, milkfat and dairy product portfolio.

Key role responsibilities include:
  • Deliver assigned research project activities to agreed scope, timeline, quality and budget, identifying and escalating risks, issues, and opportunities early.
  • Apply a hypothesis-led approach to problem solving by defining research questions, designing experiments, testing assumptions, and generating evidence-based recommendations.
  • Design, plan and execute experiments and trials, ensuring robust methodologies, reliable data collection, and statistically sound interpretation of results.
  • Analyse, synthesize and translate findings into actionable insights, clearly articulating implications, trade-offs, risks and recommended next steps.
  • Contribute technical expertise to project plans, stage-gate decisions, trial design, and innovation strategies, supporting informed decision making throughout the development process.
  • Support pilot, plant and customer validation activities, using experimental outcomes to refine concepts, de-risk solutions, and accelerate learning.
  • Collaborate effectively with manufacturing, commercial, customer, regulatory and cross-functional teams, communicating complex technical information in a clear and practical manner.
  • Maintain scientific rigour and research excellence through robust experimental design, reproducibility, peer review, critical thinking, and effective knowledge management.
  • Leverage digital, data analytics and AI-enabled tools to enhance productivity, insight generation, decision making, and research outcomes.
  • Protect and build intellectual property and technical knowledge, maintaining accurate records, data traceability, confidentiality, and compliance with IP requirements.
  • Work safely and compliantly, upholding quality, food safety, regulatory and health & safety standards while driving continuous improvement in research practices and processes.

Mōu | About You
You’ll be a curious and motivated food technology professional who enjoys turning ideas into practical, commercially relevant solutions. With a strong technical foundation and a hands-on approach, you’ll be confident working across research, trials, product development and data analysis to support successful project outcomes.

You’ll have strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and as part of a wider technical team. Your communication and stakeholder management skills will help you build effective relationships across R&D, pilot plant, commercial and external partner groups, while your passion for innovation will support the development of high-value dairy products and technologies.

You Will Also Bring
  • PhD in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Experience working in a food R&D, product development or technical environment.
  • Strong capability in hypothesis-led research, experimental design, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and evidence-based decision making.
  • Strong hands-on food technology skills, including trial design, accurate record keeping, reporting and data analysis.
  • Knowledge of dairy products, ingredients, formulation and processing.
  • Experience with pilot plant and/or commercial food processing environments.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
  • Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • A customer-focused mindset, with the ability to translate technical ideas into practical business solutions.
  • Ideally, experience or knowledge of cream products, milk fat systems, UHT creams, cream cheese, butter or food colloids.

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 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, 11th of August.