Fully Funded Riddet Institute Master’s Scholarship Opportunity in Sensory and Consumer Science For New Zealand/Australian Residents
Location: BSI, Mount Albert, Auckland
1 Year Full-time Fees and $30K Stipend (awarded by the Riddet Institute)
Measuring Consumer response to Dairy and Plant-based products
The Sensory & Consumer Science Team of the Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI) in conjunction with Feast, the Food experience and sensory testing Lab, is inviting applications for a fully funded one-year Master’s researcher to carry out a research project to understand consumer response to Dairy and Plant-based dairy analogues under the supervision of Prof Joanne Hort (Feast), Dr Roger Harker and Christina Roigard (BSI). The research will be undertaken with the BSI team in their advanced sensory laboratory in Auckland which includes 18 state-of-the-art booths, 2 training and focus group rooms and an extensive sample preparation area. BSI is a new organisation that brings together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion (https://www.bioeconomyscience.co.nz/).
This project aims to understand the relative impact of texture manipulation (both thickness and mouthfeel modifications) and flavour (sweetness, sourness, and aromatics) on the perception of dairy yoghurt and plant-based yoghurt alternatives. The successful applicant will develop their own programme of research within a team that has experience in dairy and plant-based products (milks, cheeses, and yoghurts) to improve sensory characterisation and understanding of how the complexity of different consumption situations distracts from that precision. The project will draw upon established methodologies that have been successfully applied across other product categories and will also have the opportunity to expand on these with new methodologies.
We are seeking a graduate with a BFoodtech Honours degree at a minimum achievement of 2.1, or an equivalent degree in Food Science or other similar/relevant discipline, who meets Massey’s Master of Food Technology entry requirements. This includes English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent if English is not your native language. Ideally you will have studied sensory science or perception as part of your undergraduate degree, have carried out projects with human participants and have an interest in food choice behaviour. You should demonstrate excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills. In return, you will benefit from the support of the broader Feast and BSI research teams. The Riddet Institute scholarship will give you an opportunity to benefit from being part of a wider research community that is a National Centre of Research Excellence for New Zealand, as well as a vibrant sensory research community in BSI and its collaborator Feast.
Only applicants with New Zealand or Australian permanent residency will be considered. The successful applicant is expected to start between early November 2026 and March 2027.
Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining why they are the right candidate for this scholarship, together with their CV, to J.larking1@massey.ac.nz. Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Harker roger.harker@plantandfood.co.nz or Professor Hort j.hort@massey.ac.nz to discuss the scholarship before applying.
The final closing date is Oct 31st 2026, but applications will be considered as they are received, and the scholarship may be awarded sooner.
Quality & Compliance Manager Charters Paper, Laverton North VIC. Full Time Position
About Charters Paper
Charters Paper is a proudly Australian, family-owned manufacturer and distributor of thermal rolls, food packaging, industrial paper products and specialty packaging solutions.
We service customers across food service, retail, logistics, healthcare, hospitality and industrial sectors. We are committed to delivering high-quality products, exceptional service and continuous improvement.
As our business continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced quality professional who wants to make a genuine difference and grow with us.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead all aspects of Quality, Food Safety and Compliance across our manufacturing operation. This is a hands-on role where you will work closely with production, operations, customer service and senior management to strengthen our systems and build a strong quality culture.
This role offers real ownership and influence. You will have the opportunity to shape the quality function, contribute to business decisions and grow into a broader leadership position as Charters Paper continues to expand.
We understand the importance of flexibility and will consider practical flexible working arrangements that support both the role and the business.
What You'll Do
- Lead, maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS).
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Manage the HACCP Food Safety Program and ensure certification is maintained.
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Lead and maintain FSC, SEDEX, APCO, Green Print certifications and legal logging validation.
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Lead and implement ISO 9001 to achieve certification and ongoing system compliance.
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Develop, review and maintain policies, standard operating procedures, work instructions and document controls.
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Set quality objectives, KPIs and performance measures.
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Provide monthly Quality and Compliance reports and outcomes to the CEO.
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Plan and lead internal and external audits including customer and supplier audits.
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Manage customer complaints, root cause investigations, corrective actions and followup.
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Monitor regulatory requirements and advise management of any changes or risks.
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Maintain product traceability, incident management and product recall processes.
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Manage the Approved Supplier Program, supplier risk assessments and performance.
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Support tender submissions and customer onboarding requirements.
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Develop and deliver quality, HACCP and GMP training across the business.
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Analyse quality and operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
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Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, efficiency and compliance.
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Stop production, quarantine product or reject materials where quality or food safety risks are identified.
About You
Essential:
- Degree or Diploma in Quality Assurance, Food Science, Manufacturing, Engineering or a related discipline
- HACCP Certification
- Internal Auditor Qualification
- Minimum five years' experience in a Quality Management or Compliance Management role
- Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining ISO 9001 systems
Skills & Personal Attributes
- A confident and practical leader who leads by example.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical and decision-making capability.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and follow issues through to completion.
- A high level of ownership, accountability and attention to detail.
- A continuous improvement mindset and the confidence to influence change.
- The ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the business.
- A hands-on approach and the willingness to spend time in the manufacturing operation.
- The ability and interest to grow into a broader leadership role over time.
Why Charters Paper?
- Join a stable and growing Australian family-owned business.
- Genuine opportunity to grow into a senior leadership position.
- Report directly to the CEO and influence business decisions.
- Flexible working arrangements where practical.
- Supportive and collaborative culture where your contribution is recognised.
- Real ownership of quality, food safety and compliance.
- A long-term career opportunity with a business investing in its future.
- Competitive salary package.
How to Apply
If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact and grow your career, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and what interests you about joining Charters Paper. Applications should be addressed to the HR Manager, email: antoinette@charterspaper.com.au
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