Two Scientist positions Crown Research Institute Scion undertakes research, science and technology development in forestry, wood product and wood-derived materials and other biomaterials sectors. Scion's purpose is to drive innovation and growth from these sectors to create economic value and contribute to beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand. New opportunities to broaden the range of value-added products from trees have arisen with declining petroleum resources, climate change (carbon storage and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions), technological advances and the advent of Industrial Biotechnology (including biorefineries) as a new sector/business. Opportunities include using wood fibre as a source of sugar as well as other chemicals such as tannin and lignin to make new bio-based products. Natural fibres are also key in the replacement of glass fibre in composite plastic materials to reduce the environmental footprint of many manufactured products. We have two scientist roles available in our Wood and Biofibre Technologies and Biopolymer and Green Chemicals Technology teams, which will contribute to developing new products and intellectual property using wood and wood fibres in the biorefinery and smart wood contexts. Our ideal candidates will have PhDs in the following areas: materials science, packaging, polymer science, fibre science, lignin or polysaccharide chemistry, or engineering, with at least five years relevant research and a strong publication record. The candidates will play lead roles in our Biofibres program and other programs concerned with developing new products using wood and wood fibre in bioplastic and biomaterial matrices. These roles require candidates who are flexible and able to work in both large and small project teams. Evidence of acquiring multiple skill sets and experience of collaborative projects is an advantage. You will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and will contribute at an appropriate level to the preparation of technical reports and publishing journal articles. Experience in working with clients would also be an advantage. Scion is proud to offer talented and motivated individuals the unique opportunity to pursue a fulfilling professional career. With its head office based on the edge of Rotorua's world-famous Whakarewarewa Forest, Scion also offers an enviable working environment with excellent work/life balance initiatives. Rotorua is one of New Zealand's leading tourist destinations owing to its outstanding natural environment and proximity to coastal beaches and inland lakes, native forests, geothermal areas and volcanic ski-fields. Closing date: 31st January 2011 If you would like any further information, please contact Human Resources on (+64) 07 343 5475 or email: <mailto:careers@scionresearch.com> careers(a)scionresearch.com (please do not email applications to this address, these should be submitted through our website). --------------------------------- circulated on behalf of Scion by Brigitte Burger, IUFRO Headquarters