KBC Research Assistant

Kō wai mātou? Who are we?

Zespri is more than simply the world's single-largest marketer of kiwifruit. We like to think of ourselves as fruit on a mission and as rebels with a cause: to help people, communities and the environment around the world thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit. We are proudly the world's largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling kiwifruit in more than 50 countries. We work with around 2,800 New Zealand and 1,500 international growers and post-harvest companies to source the best-quality Zespri Kiwifruit which we supply through our distribution partners to wholesale and retail customers. We are one of New Zealand's best-known international brands, dedicated to creating sustainable long-term value for growers.

He aha te mahi? What's the role?

The Kiwifruit Breeding Centre (KBC) in Italy is looking for a motivated team member to assist with development and delivery of new kiwifruit cultivars and rootstocks to our parent company Zespri. While the role is part of the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre it is based within Zespri Fresh Produce Italy and is strongly integrated into the Zespri Global Supply team.

Reporting to the Research Associate, based in Cisterna (Latina), you  will support research activities through monitoring and data collection and analysis of plants in the orchard and nursery and testing fruit in the laboratory and in consumer trials. You will interact with different stakeholders and have an opportunity to understand the full range of research and commercial kiwifruit activities throughout Italy.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Field evaluation of plant growth stages throughout the year for scion and rootstock projects
• Collection and lab analysis of fruit samples from pre harvest, harvest and post-harvest periods.
• Ripening and preparation of fruit for consumer sensory panels.
• Preparation and labelling of all plant material, ensuring accurate tracking and plant health as per EU standards.
• Accuracy in following field block plans and in attaching and scanning plant labels and maintaining records of plant status and health through a data system.
• Support data handling and management including data collection, data entry into databases, software and hardware troubleshooting.
• Assist the orchard management team as required with seasonal tasks – pruning, flower thinning, vine management etc to gain a full understanding of Kiwifruit morphology and physiology.
• Support nursery tasks including planting, grafting and collection of budwood.
• Ability and flexibility to work in different locations in Italy, with occasional travel, as required for training, extension or other purposes. Able to work in other countries on occasion.
• Some out-of-hour work will be required

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a dynamic Research Assistant, with 2 to 5 years of experience in FMCG, retail, health, or fresh food industries who thrive in diverse operational environments and committed to supporting KBC’s strategic vision through safe, efficient, and impactful research practices. You have a valid driver's license and you are able to travel within Italy; usually once every two months, but in January and spring more frequently—sometimes every few weeks across both the north and south of Italy.

You will also possess:

• Strong foundation in plant science and hands-on experience in field research, particularly within the kiwifruit sector.

• Proven interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate directly, pro-actively and constructively with colleagues and suppliers in both Italian and English. French is an asset.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people in a wide range of operational activities.
• Proven organisational ability to manage tasks effectively to meet protocols and deadlines
• Experience and competence with Microsoft Excel and a willingness to understand data collection devices and database operation
• Basic knowledge of statistics and the use of statistical software (R or Python)
• A good understanding of laboratory and field science operations and the ability to conduct basic operations in the laboratory, nursery, fruit packing areas and orchard.
• Physically able to lift up to 20 kg and carry trays or crates of fruit following health and safety guidelines and safe lifting techniques
• Ability to work alone without direct supervision
• Ability to operate within recognised safety standards to ensure personal and team safety.
• Contribute to and support initiatives and activities that will assist KBC to deliver its strategy and vision.
• Undertake any other tasks and activities, in keeping with your skills and experience, to support team delivery.

He aha e tika ai a Zespri? Why Zespri?

Our people are what makes our culture so irresistible and uniquely Zespri. We are a passionate and mighty team of 850+ employees in 23 different locations globally. Working at Zespri is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, culture-driven environment unlike any other. We want people who share our values of making it happen, creating real connections, and leaving a legacy. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.

• Competitive overall remuneration package, including a Short-Term Incentive scheme opportunity
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.
• Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit!

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 16/07/2025

At Zespri, we understand the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, and a fair hiring process is the first step to getting there. We want to attract a diverse range of people and encourage everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment and selection process by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com.

Agency

Zespri will not accept applications or contact from any temporary staffing agency, placement service or professional recruiter for this vacancy (“Agency”).

Where Zespri requires the support of an agency to fulfil a vacancy, we will proactively seek this support from our network of Agencies.  We respectfully ask that you do not contact Zespri or any of its affiliates/employees regarding vacancies, and reserve the right not to reply.

Zespri will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions or other payments related to such unsolicited resumes.