Job ID: 165289Department: Research & ScienceLocation: NewsteadPosted: October 21, 2026
Deliver a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming
We are full of people who have a passion for delivering great outcomes and creating positive change. We leverage our collective strength by bringing the dairy sector together, helping farmers build more sustainable, profitable, and resilient farm businesses; because a strong dairy sector means a strong New Zealand.
Your opportunity
Based at our Newstead office and reporting to the Head of Data Science and Modelling, this position is an exciting opportunity to apply data science, machine learning and advanced analytics to support the future of New Zealand dairy farming. Working alongside scientists, analysts, digital specialists and business stakeholders, you’ll transform complex data into practical insights that help inform decisions across farm systems, sustainability and sector priorities.
Reporting to the Head of Data Science and Modelling, you will support the Data Science and Modelling team, including:
- Applying statistical modelling, machine learning and analytics to solve complex business and research questions
- Exploring, preparing and analysing structured and unstructured datasets
- Developing, testing and validating analytical models and workflows
- Translating analytical findings into clear, practical insights for a range of audiences
- Creating visualisations, dashboards and reports that support decision-making
- Collaborating with scientists, analysts and stakeholders to design practical solutions
- Supporting data quality, governance and reproducible analytical practices
- Contributing to continuous improvement, innovation and emerging data science capabilities within DairyNZ
About you
You are naturally curious and enjoy using data to solve real-world problems. You’re comfortable working with complex datasets, explaining technical concepts to different audiences, and collaborating with a range of stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes.
As a team player, you’ll combine strong analytical thinking with practical communication skills and a desire to make a positive impact through evidence-based insights.
We’d love to hear from you if you have:
- A postgraduate qualification in data science, statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, quantitative economics or a related field
- Three or more years’ experience applying data science, statistical modelling or quantitative analysis in research or business environments
- Experience developing, validating and communicating statistical or machine-learning models
- Exceptional programming skills in R and/or Python
- Experience working with complex datasets, relational databases and data-quality processes
- Experience using version control and reproducible analytical workflows
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities
Experience with Snowflake, Azure, Power BI or similar technologies, economic modelling, and knowledge of New Zealand agriculture or the dairy sector would be advantageous.
Why you should join us
Make a difference – Together with our farmers, help us drive positive progress for the sector and country we love. Our credible work supports a sustainable future for farmers, the environment and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Bring the whole you – We put people at the heart of what we do. We welcome all that you are and support your wellbeing, so you thrive personally and professionally.
Join a vibrant culture – Be part of a team that truly believes in our values. We have the courage to take bold action and the curiosity to drive innovation. Our credibility shines in our evidence-based work and our connectedness builds meaningful, collaborative relationships.
Empowering you – We succeed when you do, which is why we champion the development and growth of our people. We empower you to do and be at your best through learning opportunities and great benefits.
Sound good to you? Come join our team who together, are making a difference.
Check out the full position description here to read more detail. Applications close 4 November 2026 at 11:55pm.
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