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. NZ not only needs better quality, cost-effective housing but solutions for world class intensified living environments. We have an exciting opportunity for a developing researcher to engage with industry and consumers and facilitate our team of science and engineering experts in making positive contributions for the wider New Zealand built environment. You will have a background that aligns with the built environment industry and have completed relevant research. You may still be developing in this area, or have a diverse level of relevant practical experience. Most importantly, you will be strongly customer centric and confident in engaging with industry and enabling their success. For you to be successful in this role you will be results-driven, self-motivated and highly analytical and an excellent communicator. Technical experience and an attitude reflecting an ability to learn and implement are essential. 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.

1. PD template June 2013
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title Researcher Built Environment
Reports To Research Leader Wood Processing
Purpose of
Position
Deliver and facilitate research and development opportunities (aligned with Scion’s
Core Purpose) that enables new developments for New Zealand’s building and
infrastructure systems.
Organisational
Values
Key Result Areas
(Key
Accountabilities)
 Ensure compliance with Scion’s Health & Safety Policy and be self-responsible
and proactive in ensuring that all work practices are safe.
 Facilitate effective linkages between Scion and the wider built environment
partners (including regulators/funders, companies and other research
organisations) for developments enabling industry innovation and progress.
 Prepare relevant and effective funding applications to maintain ongoing
research development, commercial contracts and Scion revenue streams.
 Maintain international awareness of best practice and future focused
developments for built environment systems, products, standards, design and
capability.
 Develop expertise in engineered wood-based products to further enable
continuous improvement with built environment developments, design and
construction.
 Participate effectively in diverse projects throughout Scion and outside Scion
that enable opportunities for continuous improvement in built environment
solutions (building scale and importantly the broader scale).
 Deliver research and papers in support of that research that demonstrate
science excellence.
 Demonstrable skill in establishing and managing projects, both in Scion and
externally with customers.
 Maintain a continuous learning approach to support scientists/engineers who
are active in both research and industry focussed projects in timber
engineering, building performance, building physics, product development,
design, LCA and sustainability areas.
 This role requires a person who communicates well, is practically-minded,
undertake research with sound analytical, quality assurance and statistical
frameworks. Can analyse data to reveal results with meaningful learnings. Can
present to industry and discuss wider perspectives with industry in commercial
frameworks.

2. PD template June 2013
Role Competencies
(The skills, knowledge
and behaviours
essential to achieve
effective performance in
the role)
 Demonstrated application of research and skills relevant to the wider built
environment, such as, experience in the building industry and urban design &
planning area.
 Ideally a relevant qualification in Urban planning, Engineering, Architecture,
Environmental.
 Knowledgeable of wider built environment trends, innovation and sustainability,
with ideally experience in working with wood and/or building materials.
Experience with engineered wood products would be advantageous.
 Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
 Strong customer-centric mindset; highly responsive to customers needs.
Confident in engaging with a diverse customer base and seeking new customer
relationships.
 Demonstrates initiative and self-motivation to maintain timely, effective delivery
of well planned projects.
 Curious and innovative; even if with limited resources
 Highly adaptive and flexible in response to the industry dynamics and
organisational needs.
 Demonstrated quality practitioner capable in self-managing research activities,
data analysis and quality assurance.
 Ideally comfortable with applying commercial and statistical frameworks within
justifications presented to industry.
Key Relationships  Internal relationships with project leaders, research leaders, science and
engineering colleagues
 Multiple external clients and partners (New Zealand and international) in the
urban/built environment and building sectors.
Targets to be
Achieved
 To be set on appointment.