Job Description
About the job
Te Tari Pūhanga Pūmanawa Rorohiko | Computer Science and Software Engineering
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand
Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
Fixed term (1 years) position
Salary is $70,000 p.a
Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.
Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
Computer Science and Software Engineering have an opportunity for a Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow to participate in a research project, using AI approaches for automating pruning decisions for grapevines.
In this role you will undertake research to examine AI approaches for automating pruning site locations on grapevines using viticulture knowledge, grape vine pruning and plant growth cycle – which will involve interviewing experts on a regular basis and gathering requirements. Specifically, you will work to develop and validate methods for assessing AI based pruning decision regarding which canes to prune and which canes to leave on a grapevine plant. You will have completed a Masters in Science or Engineering (NZQA Level 9) in a relevant discipline to this project.
To be successful in this role you will have excellent communication skills and written English, strong quantitative and data analysis skills, the ability to work creatively and independently, and a strong research background.
You will be mentored by Professor Richard Green and located within the Computer Science and Software Engineering. The position will also involve extensive collaboration with project partners at Lincoln University.
For more information about our School and team, please visit us here - Computer Science and Software Engineering department | UC
Mōu | Who You Are
To be successful in this position you will ideally have the following:
A PhD in Science or Engineering (NZQA Level 9) or a related discipline / or Master’s degree if applying for Research Associate
A strong research background
Expertise in using AI approaches for automating pruning decisions for grapevines
Strong quantitative and data analysis skills
A publication track record as well as experience with preparation and delivery of quality oral presentations to a wide range of audiences is essential
A proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to a wide variety or groups including scientific and non-scientific audiences
The ability to work creatively and independently.
Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.
The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.
What We Offer
Flexible working arrangements
Supportive working environment
Generous annual leave provisions and competitive salary
Professional development opportunities
A unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff club at discounted rates plus onsite café’s and eateries, and more
For more information, please visit: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus
For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit www.canterbury.ac.nz
The closing date for this position is: 7 April 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.
Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume. Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to [email protected]
For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Professor Richard Green ([email protected]) to discuss the opportunities associated with this position.
Appointable salary for a Research Associate will be $64,096 - $74,773 (pa)
Appointable salary for a Postdoctoral Fellow will be $64,096 - $96,144 (pa)
Please note: Candidates whose Doctorate has not yet been formally conferred (including those who have completed all requirements or have submitted and are awaiting conferral), will be appointed under the title “Research Associate”, with remuneration aligned to the Research Associate salary scale noted above. Once the Doctorate has been formally conferred, the title will be updated to “Postdoctoral Fellow” and the salary adjusted accordingly.
For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.
Te Tari Pūhanga Pūmanawa Rorohiko | Computer Science and Software Engineering
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand
Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
Fixed term (1 years) position
Salary is $70,000 p.a
Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.
Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
Computer Science and Software Engineering have an opportunity for a Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow to participate in a research project, using AI approaches for automating pruning decisions for grapevines.
In this role you will undertake research to examine AI approaches for automating pruning site locations on grapevines using viticulture knowledge, grape vine pruning and plant growth cycle – which will involve interviewing experts on a regular basis and gathering requirements. Specifically, you will work to develop and validate methods for assessing AI based pruning decision regarding which canes to prune and which canes to leave on a grapevine plant. You will have completed a Masters in Science or Engineering (NZQA Level 9) in a relevant discipline to this project.
To be successful in this role you will have excellent communication skills and written English, strong quantitative and data analysis skills, the ability to work creatively and independently, and a strong research background.
You will be mentored by Professor Richard Green and located within the Computer Science and Software Engineering. The position will also involve extensive collaboration with project partners at Lincoln University.
For more information about our School and team, please visit us here - Computer Science and Software Engineering department | UC
Mōu | Who You Are
To be successful in this position you will ideally have the following:
A PhD in Science or Engineering (NZQA Level 9) or a related discipline / or Master’s degree if applying for Research Associate
A strong research background
Expertise in using AI approaches for automating pruning decisions for grapevines
Strong quantitative and data analysis skills
A publication track record as well as experience with preparation and delivery of quality oral presentations to a wide range of audiences is essential
A proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to a wide variety or groups including scientific and non-scientific audiences
The ability to work creatively and independently.
Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.
The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.
What We Offer
Flexible working arrangements
Supportive working environment
Generous annual leave provisions and competitive salary
Professional development opportunities
A unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff club at discounted rates plus onsite café’s and eateries, and more
For more information, please visit: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus
For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit www.canterbury.ac.nz
The closing date for this position is: 7 April 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.
Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume. Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to [email protected]
For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Professor Richard Green ([email protected]) to discuss the opportunities associated with this position.
Appointable salary for a Research Associate will be $64,096 - $74,773 (pa)
Appointable salary for a Postdoctoral Fellow will be $64,096 - $96,144 (pa)
Please note: Candidates whose Doctorate has not yet been formally conferred (including those who have completed all requirements or have submitted and are awaiting conferral), will be appointed under the title “Research Associate”, with remuneration aligned to the Research Associate salary scale noted above. Once the Doctorate has been formally conferred, the title will be updated to “Postdoctoral Fellow” and the salary adjusted accordingly.
For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Research Associate / Postdoctoral Fellow, Computer Science and Software Engineering position is now open for candidates interested in the IT Engineer & Developer Jobs sector. This role in Christchurch offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in IT Engineer & Developer Jobs is a plus.
